Pest control and detection system with conductive bait matrix

ABSTRACT

A pest control and/or detection system generally includes an electrically conductive bait matrix including at least one carrier material that is at least one of palatable, a phagostimulant and/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and a plurality of electrically conductive particles. The electrically conductive particles are substantially randomly interspersed throughout the at least one carrier material. The at least one carrier material includes a thermoplastic material and/or a resin.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/523,312filed Apr. 28, 2017, which is a § 371 application of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2016/042126, filed Jul. 13, 2016, whichclaims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos.62/191,830, filed Jul. 13, 2015, 62/191,857 filed Jul. 13, 2015, and62/270,747, filed Dec. 22, 2015; the disclosure of each are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a pest control and/ordetection system and, more particularly, to a pest control and/ordetection system with remote monitoring capability.

Pests can cause damage to raw materials, structures, crops, food,livestock, and other human concerns. Conventional pest controlapparatuses often facilitate locating, detecting, deterring, and/oreradicating pests by deploying an attractant (or bait) that the pestsare inclined to chew for purposes of collection and/or consumption.

Many conventional pest control apparatuses must be physically inspected(e.g., manually disassembled) to visually determine whether pests arepresent, and to what extent, the pests are chewing (or otherwisedepleting) the bait. For example, in current termite monitoring andcontrol systems, a bait matrix (or matrices) is typically inserted intoa physical station housing that is itself inserted into a cavity in theground. During foraging, termites searching for food encounter thestations, enter the interior of the station housings and begin feedingon the consumable bait matrix or matrices. The bait typically consistsof non-toxic materials, or alternatively a mixture of non-toxic andtoxic materials (i.e., a pesticide active ingredient).

To determine if termites are present in the stations and activelyfeeding on the bait matrix, a technician generally must open the stationand in some instances remove and visually inspect the bait matrix. Priorto opening the station, the technician is unaware of and to what extentfeeding has occurred. Such an inspection process can be time-consumingfor the technician, and can be disruptive to the site at which thestations are deployed. In some instances, this disruption can causetermites to leave the station before a toxic material can be placedwithin the station. Some weaknesses of the existing pest controlapparatuses or systems may include, but are not limited to, falseindication of the presence or absence of pests, higher labor costs, needfor expensive detection equipment, poor reliability, use of cumbersomeequipment, incompatibility with other technologies, and incompleteinformation for service providers.

There is a need, therefore, for a pest control and/or detection systemwhich accurately and effectively allows the bait matrix of a station tobe monitored from the exterior of the station, and in particular from alocation remote from the site of the station. Greater reliability and/oraccuracy, decreased costs (including but not limited to labor and/orenergy), objective more consistent monitoring, continual monitoringcombined with an option for constant access, increased eco-friendlinessby limiting the presence of toxicants in the environment, automated datacollection and analysis, proactive monitoring and flexible treatmentoptions when pests are detected. In addition, it is advantageous to havea pest control and/or detection system that does not require the actualconsumption of the bait matrix but is effective based on either thedisplacement of the bait matrix and/or the consumption of the baitmatrix.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a pest control and/or detection system generallycomprises an electrically conductive bait matrix comprising at least onecarrier material that is at least one of palatable, acts as aphagostimulant and/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and aplurality of electrically conductive particles. The electricallyconductive particles are substantially randomly interspersed throughoutat least one carrier material. The at least one carrier materialcomprises a thermoplastic material and/or a resin.

In one preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic material is or comprisesa thermoplastic polyester.

In another embodiment, a pest control and/or detection system generallycomprises a magnetically conductive bait matrix comprising at least onecarrier material that is, at least one of, palatable, phagostimulantand/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and a plurality ofmagnetically conductive particles. The magnetically conductive particlesmay be substantially randomly interspersed throughout the at least onecarrier material. The at least one carrier material comprises athermoplastic material and/or a resin. In one preferred embodiment, thethermoplastic material is or comprises a thermoplastic polyester.

In another aspect, a pest control and/or detection system generallycomprises an electrically conductive bait matrix comprising at least onecarrier material that is at least one of palatable, phagostimulantand/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and a plurality ofelectrically conductive particles that may also be consumable ordisplaceable by pests. It may be preferred that at least a portion ofthe bait matrix 124 be electrically conductive. The electricallyconductive particles are substantially randomly interspersed throughoutthe at least one carrier material. The bait matrix may have a first endand a second end. A first electrode is in electrically conductivecontact with the bait matrix at the first end thereof, and a secondelectrode is in electrically conductive contact with the bait matrix atthe second end thereof, with the bait matrix, the first electrode andthe second electrode being held in assembly. A biasing member may beused to urge the first electrode against the first end of the baitmatrix and further urges the second electrode against the second end ofthe bait matrix. It is to be understood that the first end and secondend may be on the top, bottom and/or sides of the bait matrix, or anyother such configuration so long as a conductive portion of the baitmatrix is located between the electrodes or electrical plates. It is tobe understood that a bait matrix or matrices as used herein may comprisea palatable material(s) that is consumable and/or displaceable and whichtypically consists of non-toxic materials, or alternatively a mixture ofnon-toxic and toxic materials (i.e., a pesticide active ingredient). Itis to be further understood that the bait matrix may or may not bedigestible.

In yet another aspect, the pest control and/or detection systemgenerally comprises an electrically conductive bait matrix comprising atleast one carrier material that is at least one of palatable,phagostimulant and/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and aplurality of electrically conductive particles. The electricallyconductive particles are substantially randomly interspersed throughoutthe at least one carrier material. A control unit is held in assemblywith the bait matrix and is operable to energize the bait matrix. Thecontrol unit is further operable to transmit signals indicative of atleast one characteristic of the bait matrix. An environmental sensor isoperable to sense at least one environmental characteristic of anenvironment in which the bait matrix is located. It is to be understoodthat the term conductive as used herein means a material having theability to conduct a current, electrical or otherwise. Conductivity is aquantifiable property of a material or component and the level of changein conductivity is a measurable characteristic of a material orcomponent. It is to be further understood that another measurablecharacteristic of a material is the level of resistivity in a material.The term resistivity as used herein means how strongly a given materialopposes the flow of a current. The resistance of a component, such asthe bait matrix, is a measurable characteristic as well. Resistance asused herein means the degree to which a substance or device opposes thepassage of a current, electrical or otherwise. This may be calculatedusing Ohm's law.

Yet another aspect, of the pest control and/or detection systemgenerally comprises an electrically conductive bait matrix comprising atleast one carrier material that is at least one of palatable,phagostimulant and/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and aplurality of electrically conductive particles as well as anon-conductive bait matrix comprising at least one carrier material thatis at least one of palatable, phagostimulant and/or consumable and/ordisplaceable by pests. The electrically conductive particles aresubstantially randomly interspersed throughout the at least one carriermaterial and a pair of electrodes are positioned at opposite ends oropposing sides of the conductive bait matrix. A control unit is held inassembly with the bait matrix and may be operable to energize the baitmatrix. The control unit is further operable to transmit signalsindicative of at least one characteristic of the bait matrix. Anenvironmental sensor may be operable to sense at least one environmentalcharacteristic of an environment in which the bait matrix is located.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a pest controland/or detection system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a bait station 102 of the pest controland/or detection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section of the bait station of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic lateral or transverse cross-section of a baitmatrix of the bait station of FIG. 2 prior to consumption;

FIG. 5 is a schematic lateral or transverse cross-section of anotherembodiment of a bait matrix for use in the bait station of FIG. 2 priorto consumption;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section of the bait matrix embodiment shownin FIG. 4 after portions of the bait matrix have been consumed orotherwise depleted;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a second embodiment of a pest controland/or detection system;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side perspective of a portion of the pest controland/or detection system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged top perspective of a portion of the pest controland/or detection system of FIG. 7, with a component removed to revealinternal construction; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic top and front view of a wave spring for use withthe pest control and/or detection system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a bait station 102 of the pest controland/or detection system of FIG. 1 comprising a conductive bait matrix aswell as a non-conductive bait matrix.

FIG. 12 is a view of a bait station of the pest control and/or detectionsystem of FIG. 1 comprising a conductive bait matrix as well as anon-conductive bait matrix.

FIG. 13 is an illustration showing one example of the functionality ofthe mesh network communicating from bait stations 102 to a datacollection system 104 and the data collection system 104 thentransmitting the data to an external source.

FIG. 14 is an illustration showing one example of the functionality ofthe mesh network communicating from bait stations 102 to a datacollection system 104 and the data collection system 104.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a past control or detection system 100using a magnet to activate the magnetic reed switch on a data collectionsystem 104 also comprising an ultrasonic switch.

FIG. 16 shows a sample of an extruded conductive bait matrix 123 withstructurally inhomogeneous surface prior to exposure to pests.

FIG. 16A shows samples of conductive bait matrices 123 after 4 weeks ofexposure to Coptotermes formosanus;

FIG. 17 shows one example of a data communication pathway for the pestcontrol and or detection system 100 when data is hosted on and flowthrough a Home Security Company's data network to a Data ManagementCompany 412; Station data 102 is received via wireless connection bygateway 104; data is transmitted via WiFi to Home Security Network hub402; Home Security Network hub 402 communicates via Communication Portal404 to distributed network servers or cloud hosted by Home SecurityCompany Data Services 406; Pest monitoring/detection data is accessibleby Data Management Company 412; after data analytics being performed,pest detection status or alerts are transmitted via ApplicationProgramming Interface (API) to Home Security Company 410 and then toOwner of Site 400; pest detection status or alerts are also being sentto Pest Management Routing Services 418 and/or to Pest ManagementProfessional with Routing Services 414; Pest Management Professional w/o(without) Routing Services 416 are making use of data being sent to 418to decide on measures to be provided to Site 400; Pest ManagementProfessional with Routing Services 414 directly decides on measures tobe provided to Site 400 without using Pest Management Routing Services418.

FIG. 18 shows another example of a data communication pathway thatdiffers from the process of FIG. 17 in that an auxiliary data managementcompany 413 also receives Pest monitoring/detection data.

FIG. 19 shows another example of a data communication pathway thatdiffers from the process of FIG. 17 in that the Pestmonitoring/detection data is managed by the Home Security Company 410itself, i.e. without using an additional Data Management Company 412;data may also be forwarded to an auxiliary data management company 413.

FIG. 20 shows another example of a data communication pathway whereStation data 102 is received via wireless connection by gateway 104;data is transmitted via WiFi to Communication 404; 404 may be a WiFirouter or a wireless router that acts as a mobile WiFi hotspot (as e.g.MiFi®); data is then forwarded to a distributed network system/cloudwhich is owned by a Cloud Services Network provider 407; Data ManagementCompany 412 analyzes data located in the distributed networksystem/cloud; Home Security Company 410 gets involved only after datahave been analyzed by Data Management Company 412;

FIG. 21 shows another example of a data communication pathway thatdiffers from process of FIG. 20 in that no Home Security Company 412would be involved;

FIG. 22 shows another example of a data communication pathway comprisingan On-site inspection using a mobile device as the communication Portal404 to communicate with gateway 104 to collect reporter 102 sensor dataand interact with distributed network 408; a technician atnon-programmed time intervals activates gateway 104 using a ultrasonicswitch which then transmits pest monitoring/detection data received fromstations 102 to technician's mobile device 420; data can then betransmitted to distributed network system/cloud hosted by Home SecurityCompany Data Services 406 or Cloud Services Network provider 407; Dataanalysis can either be done by Data Management Company 412 and/or byTechnician's mobile device 420 itself; Technician's mobile device 420functions as the Communication Portal 404.

FIG. 23 shows the apparatus 500 to measure the resistance of theconductive bait matrix 123.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a pest control and/or detectionsystem having at least one bait station deployed at a site;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of bait for use in eachof the bait stations of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a longitudinal cross-section of the bait of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a schematic lateral or transverse cross-section of the baitof FIG. 25 prior to consumption;

FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-section of the bait of FIG. 27 afterportions of the bait have been consumed or otherwise depleted;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a technique for inspecting thesite shown in FIG. 24 for pest infestation after the pest control and/ordetection system of FIG. 24 has been deployed at the site;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, a pestcontrol and/or detection system according to one embodiment is generallyindicated by reference numeral 100. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem 100 is configured for at least monitoring and/or detecting, andin some embodiments controlling, termites. In other contemplatedembodiments, however, the system 100 may be configured for remotelymonitoring and/or detecting, and in some embodiments controlling, otherpests such as, for example and without limitation, cockroaches, ants orother insects, rats, mice, voles or other rodents, birds, bats, etc.

The illustrated pest control and/or detection system 100 includes atleast one bait station 102 and at least one data collection system 104capable of communicating with the bait station(s) 102 by receivingsignals from and/or in some embodiments for transmitting signals to, thebait station(s) 102 as set forth in more detail below. Suitably, the atleast one data collection system 104 may include a processor-based ormicroprocessor-based device with associated memory (such as a computeror a microcontroller); or any suitable configuration of a reducedinstruction set circuit(s) (RISC), an application-specific integratedcircuit(s) (ASICs), and/or a logic circuit(s). Alternatively, the atleast one data collection system 104 may suitably include any circuitand/or processor that is capable of executing the functions of the atleast one data collection system 104 as described herein. As usedherein, the term “signal” is not limited to a particular type ofsignaling methodology but, rather, broadly refers to any suitable typeof wireless signaling, for example, WiFi or cellular. It is to beunderstood that a plurality of collection systems 104 may be employed.It is also to be understood that the at least one data collection system104 may also function as a bait station 102.

For example, in one contemplated embodiment, the pest control and/ordetection system 100 may include a plurality of bait stations 102deployed at a site for monitoring and/or detecting pest activity (e.g.,the perimeter around a home), and the at least one data collectionsystem 104 may be located remote from and stationary relative to thesite and may communicate with the bait stations 102 from the remotelocation as set forth in more detail below. Alternatively, the datacollection system 104 may be configured for use at the site (e.g., theat least one data collection system 104 may be readable by a suitablehandheld device that is moveable relative to the data collection system104).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each bait station 102 includes a sensorassembly (indicated generally by reference numeral 108) and, optionally,a suitable station housing (not shown) for enclosing and/or housing thesensor assembly 108 at the placement location (e.g. in the ground) andpermitting the ingress and egress of termites into and out of thestation housing (e.g., via slits or holes in the station housing) andthereby enabling the termites to feed on the bait matrix 124 comprisedwith the sensor assembly 108 as set forth in more detail below. It is tobe understood that a station housing is not required for bait station102 and/or for data collection system 104.

The illustrated sensor assembly 108 generally comprises a sensor holder110, a bait matrix 124, an electrode assembly 126, and a control unit128. As set forth in more detail below, the electrode assembly 126 iselectrically connected to the bait matrix 124, and the control unit 128is configured for selectively supplying the bait matrix 124 withelectrical current via the electrode assembly 126. In particularembodiments, the control unit 128 is also operable to transmit a signalindicative of at least one characteristic of the bait matrix 124 as afunction of electrical current being supplied to the bait matrix 124. Inthis manner, the control unit 128 facilitates remote monitoring by thedata collection system 104, which is capable of receiving the signalstransmitted by the control unit 128.

The illustrated bait matrix 124 is preferably tubular (e.g., generallycylindrical in the illustrated embodiment) having a first end surface130, a second end surface 132, a circumferential outer surface 134, anda circumferential inner surface 136 defining an internal cavity of thebait matrix. It is understood, however, that the bait matrix 124 may beof other suitable shapes. For example, the bait matrix 124 may have atubular shape that is not generally cylindrical (e.g., the tubular shapemay have a substantially polygonal cross-section), and/or the cavity maynot extend from the first end surface 130 to the second end surface 132.Alternatively, the bait matrix 124 may not be tubular but, rather, maybe generally shaped like a sphere, pyramid, cube, square, star or anyother suitable shape.

It is also understood that the thickness (i.e., the transverse widthfrom the outer surface 134 to the inner surface 136) of the tubular baitmatrix 124 shown in the FIGS. is for illustration purposes. Thethickness of the bait matrix 124 according to one particularly suitableembodiment is substantially greater than that illustrated in the FIGS.The thickness of the bait matrix 124, however, may be any suitablethickness without departing from the scope of this invention.

The bait matrix 124 may be conductive. It may be preferred that the baitmatrix 124 may include one or more sections wherein at least one sectionmay comprise a conductive bait matrix 123 and a second section maycomprise a non-conductive bait matrix 127 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.The one or more sections of the bait matrix 124 comprising theconductive bait matrix 123 may have at least two electrical contactssuch as electrical plates, gels, electrodes, caulks, grease, or the like144, 148 at opposing locations of the conductive bait matrix 123relative to each other in order to generate a current through theconductive bait matrix 123. It is to be understood that these termselectrical contacts, electrodes, electrical plates etc. . . . may beused interchangeably throughout this application to mean the group ofpotential electrical contacts as a whole and as illustrated by 144/148in the Figures. It is also to be understood that if the conductivecurrent is chosen to not be electrical in nature other forms of contactsmay be used to make the bait conductive in nature.

The conductive bait matrix 123 may comprise up to 5% of the size of thetotal bait matrix 124 (conductive portion 123 plus the non-conductiveportion 127), up to 10% of the total bait matrix, up to 15% total baitmatrix 124, up to 30% of the total bait matrix 124, up to 50% of thetotal bait matrix 124, up to 75% of the total bait matrix 124, and/or upto 100% of the total bait matrix 124. It may be preferable to have asmaller percentage of the bait matrix 124, such as less than 10% of thesize of the entire bait matrix 124 (conductive portion 123 plusnon-conductive portion 127), as the conductive bait matrix 123 of thebait matrix 124 to allow for greater accuracy and sensitivity to thedetection of pests when the conductive bait is displaced and/orconsumed.

The benefit of having the non-conductive bait matrix 127 is to keep thepests in the location of the bait station 102 and encourage recruitmentand removal of the conductive bait matrix 123. The conductive baitmatrix 123 may be preferred for consumption or displacement by the pestsas shown in Table 2 below and as set forth in more detail in Example 1herein.

In addition it has been found that a larger cellulosic resource willrecruit more termites proportionally to that larger resource. (Glenn etal. 2008 and Su et al. 2001). This will accordingly increase the monitorand/or detection systems ability to accurately, quickly and moreeffectively detect the presence of pests. Subterranean termites havebeen demonstrated to prefer cellulose materials of a particulardimension (Lenz et al. 2009) and diameter (Waller 2007).

The bait matrix 124 according to one embodiment is of a generally solidconstruction. In other embodiments the bait matrix 124 may instead besemi-solid (e.g., in the form of a gel), or it may be generally in aliquid state (e.g., in the form of a fluid suspension). In aparticularly suitable embodiment, the bait matrix 124 is an extrudedbait matrix.

The bait matrix 124 and/or the conductive bait matrix 123 according toone suitable embodiment comprises a carrier material and a plurality ofelectrically conductive particles. It is to be understood that thenon-conductive bait matrix 127 may not contain sufficient conductiveparticles to carry an electrical charge and/or may not have electricalcontacts 144, 148 located at opposing sides of the non-conductive baitmatrix. It is also to be understood that the conductive bait matrix 123may be only a portion (conductive portion 123) of the bait matrix 124 orthe entire bait matrix 124. The electrically conductive particlesaccording to one embodiment may be metal particles such as, withoutlimitation, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper or aluminum. The particles maybe in any suitable particulate form such as dust, oxide, filings, slag,flakes or other suitable particle form. In other embodiments, theelectrically conductive particles are semi-metal or non-metalelectrically conductive particles. Suitable examples according to oneembodiment include carbon-based particles such as, without limitation,graphite, carbon nanotube fragments, carbon black, coke andcarbonized-charcoal powder.

In one particularly suitable embodiment, the electrically conductiveparticles are particles of graphite. Graphite is available in differenttypes such as e.g. flake graphite, amorphous graphite, vein graphite,expandable graphite, or highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).

Graphite is commercially available in a variety of grades for differentapplications such as EDM Grades (as e.g. described in “Properties andCharacteristics of Graphite, For the EDM Industry”, FifthPrinting—February 2002, 1987 Poco Graphite, Inc., POCO Graphite, Inc.300 Old Greenwood Rd. Decatur, Tex. 76234), Industrial Grades (as e.g.described in “Industrial Material Solutions”, Poco Graphite Inc.,brochures IND-92480-0514, 6204-70851NK-0414, all 2014) SemiconductorGrades, Ion Implant Grades, Biomedical Grades (as e.g. described in“Biomedical Grade Graphites”, Poco Graphite Inc., BrochureIND-7334-0514), and Glassmate Grades (as e.g. described in “Glassmate”,Poco Graphite Inc., brochure GLA 102930-0214, 2014).

It is well known that different types and grades of graphite differ inone or more of their properties like e.g. density, Shore hardness,Rockwell Hardness, flexural strength, thermal expansion, thermalconductivity, heat capacity, emissivity, compressive strength,electrical resistivity, or average particle size.

In general, any kind and any grade of graphite may be used for thepurpose of the invention, provided that its incorporation into the baitmatrix facilitates an electrical conductivity of the bait matrix. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the material comprisingelectrically conductive particles is graphite provided by graphitemanufacturers like e.g. Asbury Graphite Mills, Inc., as conductivefiller for the manufacture of electrically conductive polymers. In oneembodiment the material comprising conductive particles is ultra finegraphite and/or ultra high surface area graphite.

In one embodiment of the invention, the graphite mean particle size maymeasure from 1 μm to 20 μm, 1 μm to 15 μm, 1 μm to 10 μm, 1 μm to 5 μm,1 μm to 3 μm. Methods to determine the average particle size are wellknown to the person skilled in the art. In one embodiment of theinvention the graphite has a surface area in the range from 1 m²/g to500 m²/g, from 20 m²/g to 400 m²/g, from 50 m²/g to 300 m²/g.

Electrical resistivity (also known as resistivity, specific electricalresistance, or volume resistivity) is an intrinsic property thatquantifies how strongly a given material opposes the flow of electriccurrent. The skilled person is familiar with methods to measureelectrical resistivity. For example one standard method of measuring theelectrical resistivity of a graphite sample is described in ASTMC611-98. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical resistivityof the material comprising conductive particles, preferably graphite, isat least 0.01 Ω*cm, at least 0.05 Ω*cm, at least 0.1 Ω*cm and up to 1Ω*cm, up to 0.5 Ω*cm, up to 0.3 Ω*cm.

TABLE 1 Graphite types provided by Asbury Graphite Mills Inc. for themanufacture of conductive polymers Asbury ® Ultra Fine/Ultra HighSurface Area Graphite Mean Particle Size Surface Area Resistivity GradeType (μm) (m²/gram) (Ohm*cm) 4118 Synthetic <3.0 100-150 0.14 3725Natural <2.5 Nominal 180 0.23 2299 Natural <2.0 Nominal 400 0.65 4827Synthetic <2.0 225-275 0.21 4848 Synthetic <2.0 225-275 0.25 4847Synthetic <1.5 275-325 0.25 4849 Synthetic <1.5 275-325 0.38 TC 306Synthetic <1.5 325-375 0.26 TC 307 Synthetic <1.5 325-375 0.26

In one embodiment of the invention, the conductive bait matrix 123contains an amount of electrically conductive particles, preferablygraphite, that is sufficient to induce an electrical resistance of theconductive bait matrix 123 in the range from 1 kΩ to 500 kΩ, from 10 kΩto 100 kΩ, preferably from 40 kΩ to 80 kΩ, more preferably from 1 kΩ to20 kΩ it is to be understood that the preferred level of resistance mayvary based upon other factors such as the desired battery life andbattery provided, the preferred resistance and the materials being usedto create the sensor assembly 108 and/or the bait station 102. Tomeasure the resistance of the conductive bait matrix 123, the conductivebait matrix 123 is placed in a testing apparatus 500 (FIG. 23). Theapparatus 500 is built from standard yellow pine lumber that is cut andassembled to form a press. The purpose of the press mechanism is to holda sample of a conductive bait matrix 123 in place using a nut and boltconfiguration 502 to produce an inwardly adjustable force. C110 copperplates 503 are attached to wooden surfaces 501 of the press in opposingpositions onto which wire leads 504 and 505 are individually soldered toa corner of each copper plate 503. The leads are connected to acommercially available multimeter, such as for example a model61-746manufactured by Ideal Industries, Inc. or, alternately, the MM2000manufactured by Klein Tools.

Testing is conducted on extruded conductive bait matrix samples 123shaped in the form of a cylinder measuring e.g. approximately 57 mm indiameter, 102 mm in length. The cylinder has a void formed in the centerof the matrix that runs along the length of the matrix resulting in awall thickness of approximately 16 mm. A light coating of commerciallyavailable conductive grease (for example MG 846 produced by MGChemicals) is applied to both ends of the bait matrix 123 to increasethe electrical contact between the copper plates 503 and the conductivebait matrix 123. To measure the resistance of the conductive bait matrix123 sample the multimeter function switch is placed in the propersetting or position for measurements of resistance. After turning on,the multimeter is allowed to stabilize for about 10 seconds for eachresistance measurement. Resistance measurements are taken attemperatures between 21 and 24° C. and at relative humidity between 35and 65%.

In one embodiment of the invention, the conductive bait matrix 123contains from about 2% to about 25%, preferably about 5% to about 15%,more preferably about 8% to about 12% by weight graphite particles ascompared to the weight of the total conductive bait matrix 123. Theremainder of the conductive bait matrix 123 in such embodiments would bethe carrier material. In other embodiments, a toxicant such as an activeingredient may also be included in the bait matrix and may reduce theconcentration of the graphite particles, the concentration of carriermaterial, or both. Other suitable electrically conductive particles mayalso be used and remain within the scope of this invention.

The carrier material of the bait matrix 124 according to one embodimentcomprises a consumable material (e.g., a material that is consumable anddigestible by a pest being monitored using the bait matrix). Forexample, in one particularly suitable embodiment the carrier materialcomprises polysaccharide material (e.g., a cellulosic material such aswood flour, alpha cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose or othersuitable cellulose material consumable by termites). It is understoodthat the carrier material may comprise other consumable materialswithout departing from the scope of this invention.

It is also contemplated that the carrier material may instead, oradditionally, comprise a consumable, but non-digestible or essentiallynon-digestible, material (e.g., a material that is consumable, but notdigestible, by a pest being monitored using the bait matrix 124). In oneexample, a suitable consumable and non-digestible or essentiallynon-digestable material used as a carrier material is a thermoplasticmaterial and/or a resin-type material. Such a material is capable ofmelting and being mixed with the electrically conductive particles (andthe digestible material, if present) for extrusion together to form thebait matrix 124.

By “essentially non-digestable” it is understood that less than 50% byweight, preferably less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 1%by weight, still more preferably less than 0.1% by weight of the orallyacquired material are subsequently digested by the pest being monitoredusing the bait matrix 124. Digestible for purposes of this applicationmeans capable of being broken down to a simpler form by the consumerafter consumption.

It is also contemplated that the carrier material may instead, oradditionally, comprise a displaceable material, i.e. a material that canbe dislodged by the pest without the pest eating and/or digesting it.

Thermoplastic materials in general are well known materials that becomepliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidify uponcooling. There are many examples of suitable thermoplastic materialsincluding but not limited to

-   -   High Temperature Thermoplastics like polyphthalamide (PPA),        Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Liquid-crystal polymers (LCP),        Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polyetherimid (PEI),        Polyarylsulphones (PSU), Polyethersulfone (PES),        Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)    -   Engineering thermoplastics like syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS),        Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polybutylene terephthalate        (PBT), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyamide (PA), polypropylene        (PP), polycarbonate (PC), Poly(p-phenylene oxide)(PPE),        Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Acrylonitrile butadiene        styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN),        Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)    -   Standard thermoplastics like High-density polyethylene (HDPE),        Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Linear low-density polyethylene        (LLDPE), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT),        Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

The carrier material in one embodiment comprises a thermoplasticmaterial that has a melting point of below about 220° C., or below about180° C., or below about 160° C., or below about 140° C.

In one embodiment of the invention, the conductive bait matrix 123 alsocomprises at least one pesticide active ingredient.

If the conductive bait matrix 123 also comprises a pesticide activeingredient, the processing temperature used to melt or soften thethermoplastic material when making the carrier material is preferably atemperature less than that at which the functionality of the pesticideactive ingredient is nullified.

Suitable thermoplastic materials include, without limitation, celluloseacetate propionate (CAP), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), or apolyester. US 2015/0305326 A1, which is herewith incorporated byreference, describes particularly suitable thermoplastic materials inchapters [0077] and [0078]. In one particularly suitable embodiment, thethermoplastic carrier material is a polyester having a relatively lowmelt temperature, e.g. where the melt temperature is below 170° C.,where the melt temperature is below 160° C., where the melt temperatureis below 150° C., where the melt temperature is below 140° C., where themelt temperature is below 130° C. Suitable polyesters are for examplethe polyesters disclosed in WO-A 92/09654 and WO-A 96/15173, which arehereby incorporated by reference.

Preferred suitable polyesters are aliphatic or aliphatic/aromatic(semiaromatic) compostable polyesters with intrinsic viscosities to DIN53728 of from 150 to 320 cm3/g and acid numbers to DIN EN 12634 smallerthan 1.2 mg KOH/g, preferably smaller than 1.0 mg KOH/g.

Other preferred polyesters are compostable semiaromatic polyesters withintrinsic viscosities greater than 160 cm3/g and acid numbers smallerthan 1.0 mg KOH/g, and with melt volume-flow rate (MVR) smaller than 6.0cm3/10 min (measured at 190 degrees centigrade, with a weight of 216kg).

The aforementioned preferred compostable semiaromatic polyesters andtheir process of manufacture are disclosed in WO-A 09/127556, which ishereby incorporated by reference. The thermoplastic material may alsocomprise mixtures of biodegradable semiaromatic polyesters with polymersthat are susceptible to hydrolysis, examples being PLA (polylactide);PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), PBS (polybutylene succinate), and starch.

One particularly suitable polyester is sold by BASF SE under thetradename ecoflexx. This material is a compostable, statistical,aliphatic-aromatic copolyester based on the monomers 1.4-butanediol,adipic acid and terephthalic acid in the polymer chain. The melttemperature of Ecoflex® is approximately 110-120° C.

The thermoplastic polymer can include a single polymer or a mixture ofat least two different polymers. For example, in one embodiment, thethermoplastic polymer includes a mixture of a relatively high molecularweight polymer and a relatively low molecular weight polymer. Polyesterslike e.g. Ecoflex®, their manufacture and uses are i.e. described inpatent applications EP-A 1656423, EP-A 937120, EP-A 950689, EP-A1838784, EP-A 947559, EP-A 965615, which are herewith incorporated byreference. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer comprises amixture of Ecoflex® and Poly lactic acid (PLA) like e.g. Ecovio®.

One advantage of using a lower melt temperature polyester polymer (e.g.,as opposed to, e.g., CAP or CAB) as the carrier material is in extrudinga bait matrix that includes an active ingredient which decomposes athigher temperatures like e.g. above 160° C., above 180° C., above 200°C. For example, CAP and CAB typically have a melt temperature closer toabout 180° C. Extruding at this higher temperature may have more of anegative impact on an active ingredient than extruding at the lowertemperature of the polyester polymer, e.g., the Ecoflex®. It is to beunderstood that a melt temperature of greater than 180° C. may be used.Additionally, it is believed, based on preliminary studies, thattermites show a preference to a conductive bait matrix comprised ofgraphite and Ecoflex® than to a conductive bait matrix comprised ofgraphite and CAB or CAP, in the same relative concentrations as shown inTables 3 and 4 and set forth in more detail in Example 2.

As used herein, a substance or a mixture of substances is considered tobe “biodegradable” if this substance or the mixture of substances has apercentage degree of biodegradation of at least 60% in the processesdefined in DIN EN 13432. Other methods of determining biodegradabilityare described by way of example in ABNT 15448-1/2 and ASTM D6400. Asused herein, a substance or a mixture of substances is considered to be“compostable” if this substance or mixture of substances may be degradedby micro-organisms or other biological processes during composting toyield CO2, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass at a rate consistentwith other known compostable materials and that leaves no visible,distinguishable or toxic residues and/or a substance or mixture ofsubstances meets the criteria set forth in the any of the followingcompostable standards EP-DIN EN 13432, US-ASTM D 6400 or JP-GreenPlastandard.

The result of the biodegradability and/or compostability is generallythat the substance, as e.g. the polyester breaks down within anappropriate and demonstrable period. The degradation may be broughtabout enzymatically, hydrolytically, oxidatively, and/or via exposure toelectromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation, and is mostlypredominantly caused by exposure to microorganisms, such as bacteria,yeasts, fungi, and algae. An example of a method of quantifying thebiodegradability mixes polyester with compost and stores it for aparticular time. By way of example, according to DIN EN 13432, CO2-freeair is passed through ripened compost during the composting process andthe compost is subjected to a defined temperature profile.Biodegradability is defined here by way of the ratio of the net amountof CO2 liberated from the specimen (after deducting the amount of CO2liberated by the compost without the specimen) to the maximum possibleamount of CO2 liberated by the specimen (calculated from the carboncontent of the specimen), this ratio being defined as the percentagebiodegradability. Even after a few days of composting, biodegradablepolyesters or biodegradable polyester mixtures generally show markedsigns of degradation, for example fungal growth, cracking, andperforation.

Polyesters are well known polymers. They comprise monomers inpolymerized form, such as diols and diacids (or diesters), orhydroxyacids (or hydroxyesters). Suitable polyester are for examplealiphatic polyester. These include homopolymers of aliphatichydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones, and also copolymers or blockcopolymers of different hydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones or mixturesof these. These aliphatic polyesters may also contain units of diolsand/or of isocyanates. The aliphatic polyesters may also contain unitswhich derive from tri- or polyfunctional compounds, for example fromepoxides, from acids or from triols. The aliphatic polyesters maycontain the latter units as individual units, or a number of these,possibly together with the diols and/or isocyanates. Processes forpreparing aliphatic polyesters are known to the skilled worker. Inpreparing the aliphatic polyesters it is, of course, also possible touse mixtures made from two or more comonomers and/or from other units,for example from epoxides or from polyfunctional aliphatic or aromaticacids, or from polyfunctional alcohols. The aliphatic polyestersgenerally have molar masses (number-average) of from 10,000 to 100,000g/mol.

Examples of aliphatic polyesters are polymeric reaction products oflactic acid, poly-3-hydroxybutanoates, or polyesters built up fromaliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids and from aliphatic orcycloaliphatic diols. The aliphatic polyesters may also be random orblock copolyesters which contain other monomers. The proportion of theother monomers is generally up to 10 percent by weight. Preferredcomonomers are hydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones or mixtures of these.

Polymeric reaction products of lactic acid are known per se or may beprepared by processes known per se. Besides polylactide, use may also bemade of those copolymers or block copolymers based on lactic acid withother monomers. Linear polylactides are mostly used. However, branchedlactic acid polymers may also be used. Examples of branching agents arepolyfunctional acids or alcohols. Polylactides which may be mentioned asan example are those obtainable essentially from lactic acid or from itsC1-C4-alkyl esters or mixtures of these, with at least one aliphaticC4-C10 di-carboxylic acid and with at least one C3-C10 alkanol havingfrom three to five hydroxyl groups.

Poly-3-hydroxybutanoates are homopolymers or copolymers of3-hydroxybutanoic acid or mixtures thereof with 4-hydroxybutanoic acidand with 3-hydroxyvaleric acid, in particular with a proportion byweight of up to 30 percent, preferably up to 20 percent, of thelast-named acid. Suitable polymers of this type also include those withR-stereo-specific configuration. Polyhydroxybutanoates or copolymers ofthese can be prepared microbially. Processes for the preparation fromvarious bacteria and fungi are known as well as a process for preparingstereospecific polymers. It is also possible to use block copolymers ofthe above-mentioned hydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones, or of theirmixtures, oligomers or polymers.

Suitable polyesters built up from aliphatic or cycloaliphaticdicarboxylic acids and from aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols are thosebuilt up from aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids or frommixtures of these, and from aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols, or frommixtures of these. According to the invention either random or blockcopolymers may be used.

Suitable aliphatic dicarboxylic acids generally have from 2 to 10 carbonatoms. They may be either linear or branched. Cycloaliphaticdicarboxylic acids as used herein are generally those having from 7 to10 carbon atoms, and in particular those having 8 carbon atoms.

However, in principle use may also be made of dicarboxylic acids havinga larger number of carbon atoms, for example having up to 30 carbonatoms. Examples include, without limitation: malonic acid, succinicacid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, fumaric acid, 2,2-dimethylglutaric acid, suberic acid,1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid,1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, itaconic acid, maleicacid and 2,5-norbornanedicarboxylic acid, preferably adipic acid.Mention should also be made of ester-forming derivatives of theabovementioned aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids, which maylikewise be used, in particular the di-C1-C6-alkyl esters, such asdimethyl, diethyl, di-n-propyl, diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl,di-tert-butyl, di-n-pentyl, diisopentyl and di-n-hexyl esters.Anhydrides of the dicarboxylic acids may likewise be used. Thedicarboxylic acids or ester-forming derivatives of these may be usedindividually or as a mixture of two or more of these.

Suitable aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols generally have from 2 to 10carbon atoms. They may be either linear or branched. Examples are1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2- or 1,3-propanediol,1,6-hexanediol, 1,2- or 1,4-cyclohexanediol or mixtures of these.

Examples of aliphatic polyesters are aliphatic copolyesters as describedin WO 94/14870, in particular aliphatic copolyesters made from succinicacid, from its diesters, or from mixtures with other aliphatic acids or,respectively, diesters, for example glutaric acid and butanediol, ormixtures made from this diol with ethylene glycol, propanediol orhexanediol or mixtures of these. In another embodiment, preferredaliphatic polyesters include polycaprolactone.

As used herein, semiaromatic polyesters refers to polyester, whichcomprise aliphatic and aromatic monomers in polymerizied form. The termsemiaromatic polyesters is also intended to include derivatives ofsemiaromatic polyesters, such as semiaromatic polyetheresters,semiaromatic polyesteramides, or semiaromatic polyetheresteramides.Among suitable semiaromatic polyesters are linear non-chain-extendedpolyesters (WO 92/09654). Preference is given to chain-extended and/orbranched semiaromatic polyesters. The latter are disclosed in, forexample, WO 96/15173, WO 96/15174, WO 96/15175, WO 96/15176, WO96/21689, WO 96/21690, WO 96/21691, WO 96/21689, WO 96/25446, WO96/25448, and WO 98/12242, expressly incorporated herein by way ofreference. Mixtures of different semiaromatic polyesters may also beused. In particular, the term semiaromatic polyesters is intended tomean products such as Ecoflex® (BASF SE) and Eastar® Bio and Origo-Bi(Novamont).

Among particularly preferred semi-aromatic polyesters are polyesterswhich comprise the following significant components A) an acid componentcomposed of a1) from 30 to 99 mol % of at least one aliphatic, or atleast one cycloaliphatic, dicarboxylic acid, or its ester-formingderivatives, or a mixture of these a2) from 1 to 70 mol % of at leastone aromatic dicarboxylic acid, or its ester-forming derivative, or amixture of these, and a3) from 0 to 5 mol % of a compound comprisingsulfonate groups, and B) a diol component selected from at least oneC2-C12 alkanediol and at least one C5-C10 cycloalkanediol, or a mixtureof these. If desired, the semi-aromatic polyester may also comprise oneor more components selected from C) and D), wherein C) is a componentselected from c1) at least one dihydroxy compound comprising etherfunctions and having the formula I

HO—[(CH2)n-O]m-H  (I)

-   -   where n is 2, 3 or 4 and m is a whole number from 2 to 250,    -   c2) at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid of the formula IIa or        IIb

-   -   where p is a whole number from 1 to 1500 and r is a whole number        from 1 to 4, and G is a radical selected from the group        consisting of phenylene, (CH₂)_(q)—, where q is a whole number        from 1 to 5, —C(R)H and —C(R)HCH₂, where R is methyl or ethyl,    -   c3) at least one amino-C2-C12 alkanol, or at least one        amino-C5-C10 cycloalkanol, or a mixture of these,    -   c4) at least one diamino-C1-C8 alkane,    -   c5) at least one 2,2′-bisoxazoline of the formula III

-   -   where R¹ is a single bond, a (CH2)z-alkylene group, where z=2, 3        or 4, or a phenylene group,    -   c6) at least one aminocarboxylic acid selected from the group        consisting of the naturally occurring amino acids, polyamides        obtainable by polycondensing a dicarboxylic acid having from 4        to 6 carbon atoms with a diamine having from 4 to 10 carbon        atoms, compounds of the formulae IVa and IVb

-   -   where s is a whole number from 1 to 1500 and t is a whole number        from 1 to 4, and T is a radical selected from the group        consisting of phenylene, (CH₂)_(u)—, where u is whole number        from 1 to 12, C(R2)H and C(R2)HCH2, where R2 is methyl or ethyl,    -   and polyoxazolines having the repeat unit V

-   -   -   where R3 is hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C5-C8-cycloalkyl, phenyl,            either unsubstituted or with up to three C1-C4-alkyl            substituents, or tetrahydrofuryl, or a mixture composed of            c1) to c6), and wherein

    -   D) is a component selected from

    -   d1) at least one compound having at least three groups capable        of ester formation,

    -   d2) at least one isocyanate,

    -   d3) at least one divinyl ether,

    -   or a mixture composed of d1) to d3).

The acid component A of the semiaromatic polyesters may comprise from 30to 70 mol %, in particular from 40 to 60 mol %, of a1, and from 30 to 70mol %, in particular from 40 to 60 mol %, of a2.

Aliphatic acids and the corresponding derivatives a1 which may be usedare generally those having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. They may be eitherlinear or branched. The cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids are generallythose having from 7 to 10 carbon atoms and in particular those having 8carbon atoms. In principle, however, it is also possible to usedicarboxylic acids having a larger number of carbon atoms, for examplehaving up to 30 carbon atoms. Examples include, without limitation:malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, 2 methylglutaric acid,3-methylglutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, fumaric acid, 2,2-dimethylglutaric acid, suberic acid,1,3-cyclopentane¬dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid,1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, itaconic acid, maleicacid, brassylic acid, and 2,5-norbornanedicarboxylic acid. Ester-formingderivatives of the abovementioned aliphatic or cycloaliphaticdicarboxylic acids which may also be used and which may be mentioned arein particular the di-C1-C6-alkyl esters, such as dimethyl, diethyl,di-n-propyl, diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl, di-tert-butyl,di-n-pentyl, diisopentyl or di-n-hexyl esters. It is also possible touse anhydrides of the dicarboxylic acids.

Dicarboxylic acids or their ester-forming derivatives may be usedindividually or in the form of a mixture composed of two or more ofthese.

In another embodiment, succinic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, brassylic acid, or respective ester-forming derivatives thereof,or a mixture of these may be used. Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid maycomprise sebacic acid or a mixture of sebacic acid with adipic acid, ifpolymer mixtures with “hard” or “brittle” components for examplepolyhydroxybutyrate or in particular polylactide, are prepared. Inanother embodiment, the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid may comprisesuccinic acid or a mixture of succinic acid with adipic acid if polymermixtures with “soft” or “tough” components, for examplepolyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate, are prepared.

A further advantage of succinic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, andbrassylic acid is that they are accessible renewable raw materials.

Aromatic dicarboxylic acids a2 which may be mentioned are generallythose having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms and preferably those having 8carbon atoms. By way of example, mention may be made of terephthalicacid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthoic acid and 1,5-naphthoic acid, andalso ester-forming derivatives of these. Particular mention may be madehere of the di-C1-C6-alkyl esters, e.g. dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-propyl,diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl, di-tert-butyl, di-n-pentyl,diisopentyl, or di n-hexyl esters. The anhydrides of the dicarboxylicacids a2 are also suitable ester-forming derivatives.

However, in principle it is also possible to use aromatic dicarboxylicacids a2) having a greater number of carbon atoms, for example up to 20carbon atoms.

The aromatic dicarboxylic acids or ester-forming derivatives of thesea2) may be used individually or as a mixture of two or more of these.

A compound comprising sulfonate groups a3) is usually one of the alkalimetal or alkaline earth metal salts of a sulfonate-containingdicarboxylic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof, such as alkalimetal salts of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid or a mixture of these.

In one embodiment, the acid component A comprises from 40 to 60 mol % ofa1, from 40 to 60 mol % of a2 and from 0 to 2 mol % of a3. In anotherembodiment, the acid component A comprises from 40 to 59.9 mol % of a1,from 40 to 59.9 mol % of a2 and from 0.1 to 1 mol % of a3, in particularfrom 40 to 59.8 mol % of a1, from 40 to 59.8 mol % of a2 and from 0.2 to0.5 mol % of a3.

Diols B are generally selected from the group consisting of branched orlinear alkanediols having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or from the groupconsisting of cycloalkanediols having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms.Examples of alkanediols are ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol,2,4-dimethyl-2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol,2-ethyl-2-butyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-ethyl-2-isobutyl-1,3-propanediol and2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediol, in particular ethylene glycol,1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol or 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol(neopentyl glycol); cyclopentanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol,1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol,1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.Particular preference is given to 1,4-butanediol, in particular incombination with adipic acid as component a1), and 1,3-propanediol, inparticular in combination with sebacic acid as component a1). Anotheradvantage of 1,3 propanediol is that it is an available renewable rawmaterial. It is also possible to use mixtures of different alkanediols.

Depending on whether an excess of acid groups or of OH end groups isdesired, either component A or component B may be used in excess. In onepreferred embodiment, the molar ratio of the components A and B used maybe from 0.4:1 to 1.5:1, preferably from 0.6:1 to 1.1:1.

Besides components A and B, the polyesters may comprise othercomponents.

Dihydroxy compounds c1 which may be used are diethylene glycol,triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol andpolytetrahydrofuran (polyTHF), particularly preferably diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, and mixtures ofthese may also be used, as may compounds which have different variablesn (see formula I), for example polyethylene glycol which comprisespropylene units (n=3), obtainable, for example, by using methods ofpolymerization known per se and polymerizing first with ethylene oxideand then with propylene oxide, and particularly preferably a polymerbased on polyethylene glycol with different variables n, where unitsformed from ethylene oxide predominate. The molar mass (Mn) of thepolyethylene glycol is generally selected within the range from 250 to8000 g/mol, preferably from 600 to 3000 g/mol.

In one embodiment for preparing the semi-aromatic polyesters use may bemade, for example, of from 15 to 98 mol %, preferably from 60 to 99.5mol %, of the diols B and from 2 to 85 mol %, preferably from 0.5 to 40mol %, of the dihydroxy compounds c1, based on the molar amount of B andc1.

In one preferred embodiment, the hydroxycarboxylic acid c2) used is:glycolic acid, D-, L- or D,L-lactic acid, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid, cyclicderivatives of these, such as glycolide (1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione), D- orL-dilactide (3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione), p-hydroxybenzoic acid,or else their oligomers and polymers, such as 3-polyhydroxybutyric acid,polyhydroxyvaleric acid, polylactide (obtainable, for example, asNatureWorks® 4042D (NatureWorks) or else a mixture of3-polyhydroxybutyric acid and polyhydroxyvaleric acid (obtainable fromPHB Industrial, Tianan, or Metabolix) and, for preparing semiaromaticpolyesters, particularly preferably the low-molecular-weight and cyclicderivatives thereof.

Examples of amounts which may be used of the hydroxycarboxylic acids arefrom 0.01 to 50% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, basedon the amount of A and B.

The amino-C2-C12 alkanol or amino-05-C10 cycloalkanol used (componentc3) may include 4-aminomethyl-cyclohexane-methanol, are preferablyamino-C2-C6 alkanols, such as 2-aminoethanol, 3-amino-propanol,4-aminobutanol, 5-aminopentanol or 6-aminohexanol, or else amino-05-C6cycloalkanols, such as aminocyclopentanol and aminocyclohexanol, ormixtures of these.

The diamino-C1-C8 alkanes (component c4) used are preferablydiamino-C4-C6 alkanes, such as 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,5-diaminopentane or1,6-diaminohexane (hexamethylenediamine, “HMD”).

In one embodiment for preparing the semiaromatic polyesters, use may bemade of from 0.5 to 99.5 mol %, preferably from 0.5 to 50 mol %, of c3,based on the molar amount of B, and of from 0 to 50 mol %, preferablyfrom 0 to 35 mol %, of c4, based on the molar amount of B.

The 2,2′-bisoxazolines c5 of the formula III are generally obtainablevia the process of Angew. Chem. Int. Edit., Vol. 11 (1972), pp. 287-288.Bisoxazolines are those where R1 is a single bond, (CH2)z-alkylene,where z=2, 3 or 4, for example methylene, ethane-1,2-diyl,propane-1,3-diyl or propane-1,2-diyl, or a phenylene group. Particularlypreferred bisoxazolines which may be mentioned are2,2′-bis(2-oxazoline), bis(2-oxazolinyl)methane,1,2-bis(2-oxazolinyl)ethane, 1,3-bis(2-oxazolinyl)propane and1,4-bis(2-oxazolinyl)butane, in particular 1,4-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene,1,2-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene or 1,3-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene.

In preparing the semiaromatic polyesters use may, for example, be madeof from 70 to 98 mol % of B, up to 30 mol % of c3 and from 0.5 to 30 mol% of c4 and from 0.5 to 30 mol % of c5, based in each case on the totalof the molar amounts of components B, c3, c4 and c5. In anotherembodiment, use may be made of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, preferably from0.2 to 4% by weight, of c5, based on the total weight of A and B.

The component c6 used may be naturally occurring aminocarboxylic acids.These include valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, methionine,phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine, alanine, arginine, aspartamic acid,cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, tyrosine,asparagine and glutamine.

Preferred aminocarboxylic acids of the formulae IVa and IVb are thosewhere s is a whole number from 1 to 1000 and t is a whole number from 1to 4, preferably 1 or 2, and t has been selected from the groupconsisting of phenylene and —(CH2)u-, where u is 1, 5, or 12.

c6 may also be a polyoxazoline of the formula V. However, c6 may also bea mixture of different aminocarboxylic acids and/or polyoxazolines.

In one embodiment, the amount of c6 used may be from 0.01 to 50% byweight, preferably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, based on the total amountof components A and B.

Among other components which may be used, if desired, for preparing thesemiaromatic polyesters are compounds d1 which comprise at least threegroups capable of ester formation.

The compounds d1 may comprise from three to ten functional groups whichare capable of developing ester bonds. Particularly preferred compoundsd1 have from three to six functional groups of this type in themolecule, in particular from three to six hydroxy groups and/or carboxygroups. Examples which should be mentioned are:

tartaric acid, citric acid, maleic acid; trimethylolpropane,trimethylolethane;

pentaerythritol; polyethertriols; glycerol; trimesic acid; trimelliticacid, trimellitic anhydride; pyromellitic acid, pyromelliticdianhydride, and hydroxyisophthalic acid.

The amounts generally used of the compounds d1 are from 0.01 to 15 mol%, preferably from 0.05 to 10 mol %, particularly preferably from 0.1 to4 mol %, based on component A.

Components d2 used are an isocyanate or a mixture of differentisocyanates. Aromatic or aliphatic diisocyanates may be used. However,higher-functionality isocyanates may also be used. Aromatic diisocyanated2 is especially tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate, tolylene 2,6-diisocyanate,diphenylmethane 2,2′-diisocyanate, diphenylmethane 2,4′-diisocyanate,diphenylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate, naphthylene 1,5-diisocyanate orxylylene diisocyanate. By way of example, it is possible to use theisocyanates obtainable as Basonat® from BASF SE.

Among these, particular preference is given to diphenylmethane 2,2′-,2,4′- and 4,4′-diisocyanate as component d2. The latter diisocyanatesare generally used as a mixture.

A three-ring isocyanate d2 which may also be used istri(4-isocyanophenyl)methane. Multi-ringed aromatic diisocyanates ariseduring the preparation of single- or two-ring diisocyanates, forexample.

Component d2 may also comprise subordinate amounts, e.g. up to 5% byweight, based on the total weight of component d2, of uretdione groups,for example for capping the isocyanate groups.

Aliphatic diisocyanate d2 is primarily a linear or branched alkylenediisocyanate or cycloalkylene diisocyanate having from 2 to 20 carbonatoms, preferably from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, e.g. hexamethylene1,6-diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, ormethylenebis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane). Hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanateand isophorone diisocyanate are particularly preferred aliphaticdiisocyanates d2.

Among the preferred isocyanurates are the aliphatic isocyanurates whichderive from C2-C20, preferably C3-C12, cycloalkylene diisocyanates oralkylene diisocyanates, e.g. isophorone diisocyanate ormethylenebis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane). The alkylene diisocyanates heremay be either linear or branched. Particular preference is given toisocyanurates based on n-hexamethylene diisocyanate, for example cyclictrimers, pentamers, or higher oligomers of n-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

The amounts generally used of component d2 are from 0.01 to 5 mol %,preferably from 0.05 to 4 mol %, particularly preferably from 0.1 to 4mol %, based on the total of the molar amounts of A and B.

Divinyl ethers d3 which may be used are generally any of the customaryand commercially available divinyl ethers. Preference is given to theuse of 1,4-butanediol divinyl ethers, 1,6-hexanediol divinyl ethers or1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol divinyl ethers or a mixture of these.

The amounts of the divinyl ethers preferably used are from 0.01 to 5% byweight, especially from 0.2 to 4% by weight, based on the total weightof A and B.

Examples of semiaromatic polyesters are based on the followingcomponents: A, B, d1; A, B, d2; A, B, d1, d2; A, B, d3; A, B, c1; A, B,c1, d3; A, B, c3, c4; A, B, c3, c4, c5; A, B, d1, c3, c5; A, B, c3, d3;A, B, c3, d1; A, B, c1, c3, d3; or A, B, c2. Among these, particularpreference is given to semiaromatic polyesters based on A, B and d1, orA, B and d2, or on A, B, d1 and d2. In another preferred embodiment, thesemiaromatic polyesters are based on A, B, c3, c4 and c5 or A, B, d1, c3and c5.

While the polyester polymer according to the above disclosure is abiodegradable polyester polymer, it is understood that the polyesterpolymer may be non-biodegradable without departing from the scope ofthis invention.

In one suitable example, the carrier material comprises both apolysaccharide material, such as a cellulosic material, and athermoplastic material, such as a polyester.

For example, in such an embodiment the thermoplastic material maycomprise about 20 to about 40 weight % of the bait matrix 124.

Some suitable compositions of the conductive bait matrix according tothis invention are shown in Table 1a:

TABLE 1a Thermoplastic Cellulose Graphite Polyester 75 5 20 70 10 20 6515 20 65 5 30 60 10 30 55 15 30 55 5 40 50 10 40 45 5 50 45 15 40 40 1050 35 15 50 35 5 60 30 10 60 25 15 60

It is understood that other suitable manufacturing processes are alsocontemplated for combining the carrier material and electricallyconductive particles to form the conductive bait matrix 123 such as,without limitation, coextrusion, compaction, immersion, molding,suspension and the like.

One preferred embodiment of the invention is a method for making aworkpiece that includes:

-   (1) providing a mixture of    -   a. a softened or molten thermoplastic polymer having a softening        or melting point below about 220° C.    -   b. a phagostimulant material for the target pest and    -   c. a material comprising conductive particles;-   (2) forming the mixture to provide a workpiece having a desired    shape; and-   (3) cooling the workpiece to a temperature below the softening or    melting point of the plastic to provide a solid composite article.

The workpiece preferably is or comprises the conductive bait matrix.

As used herein, the term “molten” is intended to refer to a state of athermoplastic material in which the material is fully melted, partiallymelted, or sufficiently softened or tacky that the polymer can beformed, for example by extrusion or molding and then cooling, into aplastic matrix. Similarly, the term “melting point” as used herein isintended to refer to the temperature at which a given material, polymeror mixture of polymers melts, softens or becomes tacky, and encompassesthe glass transition temperature for amorphous polymers. A personskilled in the art will appreciate that the melting point of a givenmaterial, polymer or mixture of polymers can be modified by contactingthe material, polymer or mixture of polymers with certain solventsand/or other additives. In one embodiment, the workpiece is formed byextrusion.

To make a the solid composite article in accordance with one embodiment,a mixture of a granular or particulate thermoplastic polymer, aphagostimulant material for the target pest and a material comprising aplurality of conductive particles is provided and the mixture is thencompounded to mix the components, and extruded or molded at apredetermined temperature and pressure. The polymer, the phagostimulantmaterial and the material comprising a plurality of conductive particlescan be combined using standard mixing or compounding techniques to mixthe components and drive off excess moisture. For example, the materialscan be mixed in a rotational mixer or compounding extruder. Heat isapplied if needed to bring the mixture to a temperature sufficientlyhigh to make the thermoplastic polymer pliable or plastic and thereforesuitable for shaping, such as by extrusion. In one embodiment, thetemperature is at least as high as the melting point of the polymer. Inanother embodiment, the temperature is at least as high as the glasstransition temperature of the polymer.

One skilled in the art will recognize that higher temperatures may beneeded, and that the processing temperature may be optimized to allowthe polymer to be processed as long as the temperature is not raised toa point that results in substantial harm to other components of thecomposite, such as, for example, charring the phagostimulant material. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that theinclusion of a solvent in the mixture can modify the softeningtemperature of the thermoplastic material. In embodiments in which asolvent is present, it is understood that softening at the surface of apolymer, as modified by the solvent, might begin at a temperature thatis lower than the natural melting point of the polymer in the absence ofthe solvent. In other words, temperatures below the natural meltingpoint of the polymer may be suitable molding temperatures in embodimentsin which the solvent is effective to soften the surface of the polymerat a temperature below its natural melting point.

A wide variety of extrusion or molding techniques can be used, manyexamples of which are known in the art. While it is not intended thatthe present application be limited by any theory, it is believed that,under extrusion or molding conditions applied in methods describedherein, the polymer granules become softened, tacky or fully melted.When this occurs, pressure exerted upon the mixture causes softenedpolymer granules to contact one another and adhere together or causesthe polymer to fully melt, whereby the molten polymer forms a continuousphase in the mixture. The temperature at which the compression isapplied is a temperature high enough to achieve a desired level ofpolymer particle adhesion or polymer melting. It is understood that awide variety of material specifications (such as polymer type, polymersize, granule size distribution and ratio of ingredients) and also awide variety of process parameters (such as temperature and pressure)can be used to provide articles having various advantageouscharacteristics. It is within the ability of a skilled person, armedwith the description of the present application, to select, withoutundue experimentation, advantageous combinations of materials andparameters to provide articles having differing amounts of conductiveparticles and different physical properties.

In one manner of practicing the method, the molten mixture is providedby mixing the polymer, the phagostimulant material and the materialcomprising a plurality of conductive particles to form a mixture andthen compounding said mixture under elevated pressure and temperature toform a molten material.

In another manner of practicing the method, the method includes formingpellets or flakes of the mixture prior to compounding.

In one manner of making the workpiece, all of the components are mixedtogether and then the mixture is heated above the melting point of thethermoplastic polymer included therein, e.g. up to about 220 degreescentigrade in some embodiments, in a device, such as a twin screw mixer,that is capable of additional mixing followed by extrusion through adie, which imparts a specific cross-sectional profile to the compositematerial, and then cooling in a water bath or spray.

In another manner of forming the workpiece, the polymer, thephagostimulant material and the material comprising a plurality ofconductive particles are combined within an extruder under positivepressure and at elevated temperature and are thereafter extruded toprovide an elongated workpiece.

In another manner of forming the workpiece, the thermoplastic polymerand the material comprising a plurality of conductive particles areindividually but simultaneously fed upstream into the extruder and thephagostimulant material is added downstream into the extruder.

In another manner of forming the workpiece, the thermoplastic polymer,the material comprising a plurality of conductive particles, and thephagostimulant material are individually but simultaneously fed into theextruder.

In one preferred embodiment, the surface of the finished workpiece isstructurally inhomogeneous on a mm to cm scale. In one embodiment thesurface comprises a plurality of cavities of a width from 0.1 mm to 100mm, from 1 mm to 50 mm, from 1 mm to 20 mm, and a depth from 0.1 mm to10 mm, from 1 mm to 5 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm. The cavities can be of anyshape. The cavities can be interconnected with or separated from eachother. Individual cavities on the same workpiece can be different insize and shape.

FIG. 16 shows a conductive bait matrix 123 according to the inventionwith a structurally inhomogeneous surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the parameters of theextrusion process like for example temperature, duration, extrusionvelocity, extrusion additives, post-extrusion treatment and the like arechosen so that the surface of the extruded workpiece comprises separatedor interconnected cavities of 0.1 mm to 20 mm width and 0.1 mm to 5 mmdepth.

The skilled person is knowledgeable as to which parameters of theextrusion process produce imperfect/structurally inhomogeneous surfacesof a workpiece. For example a structurally inhomogeneous surface can beproduced by applying extrusion temperatures of at most T_(m)+80° C. orT_(m)+70° C. or T_(m)+60° C., T_(m) being the extruded thermoplasticsemicrystalline polymer's melting temperature.

The cooling can be achieved, for example, by applying a water bath tothe workpiece or by spraying the workpiece with water.

In another embodiment of the invention, the surface of the finishedworkpiece is structurally homogeneous, i.e. does show few or no cavitiesin the mm to cm scale.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the bait matrix 124. As is readily seen,the electrically conductive particles (illustrated schematically ascircles 140) and carrier material particles (illustrated schematicallyas squares 142) are randomly interspersed throughout both the thicknessand the height of the bait matrix 124.

In some embodiments, the bait matrix 124 includes an electricallyconductive bus member secured thereto, such as by being molded with thebait matrix 124 or thermally secured thereto so that the bus member isheld at least in part within the bait matrix 124. In other embodimentsthe conductive bus member is attached to the bait matrix 124 by suitableattachment techniques. As used herein, a “bus member” refers to a bulk(or non-particle) member having a predetermined disposition (or orderlyarrangement) in or on the bait matrix 124 to facilitate enhancing anelectrical property of the bait matrix 124. Notably, the bus member maysuitably be made continuous or discontinuous without departing from thescope of this invention.

In other contemplated embodiments, the bait matrix 124 may be made byfirst forming the bait matrix 124 exclusively from electricallynon-conductive material. Once the bait matrix 124 is formed, a coatingof electrically conductive material is applied to the surface,preferably to the outer surface of the bait matrix 124. For example, inone embodiment where the bait matrix 124 is generally tubular, the baitmatrix 124 has opposite end surfaces that are coated with electricallyconductive material, e.g., by sputtering, spraying, printing, and/ordipping processes. The coating may be applied at a suitable thickness ina substantially uniform manner or in a suitable pattern.

As shown in FIG. 5, in another contemplated embodiment of the baitmatrix 124, the bait matrix 124 may be formed by a process ofco-extrusion such that the bait matrix 124 has a plurality of distinctlayers 125. In such an embodiment, a layer of electrically conductiveparticles 140 would be extruded simultaneous to a layer of carriermaterial particles 142 such that the layer of carrier material particles142 cover an outer surface of the layer of electrically conductiveparticles 140. Optionally, the layer of electrically conductiveparticles 140 may be sandwiched between layers of carrier materialparticles 142.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the illustrated embodiment theelectrode assembly 126 includes a first electrode 144 and a secondelectrode 148. The conductive bait matrix 123 is sandwiched between theelectrodes 144, 148 such that the first end surface 130 is placed inelectrical contact with the first electrode 144, and such that thesecond end surface 132 is placed in electrical contact with the secondelectrode 148. In one embodiment, the electrodes 144, 148 are made of asuitable conductive material (e.g. copper) and are generallyplate-shaped (e.g., the electrodes 144, 148 may be generally disc-shapedsuch that the sensor assembly 108 as a whole has a generally cylindricalshape, as shown in FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the electrodes 144,148 may be made of any suitable material and may have any suitable shapethat enable the electrode assembly 126 to function as described herein(e.g., the electrodes 144, 148 may each have a suitable protectiveand/or electrically conductive coating deposited over the metalmaterial, at the interface between the electrodes 144, 148 and the baitsubstance 124).

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor holder 110 includes a pair ofelectrode covers, namely a first electrode cover 146 and a secondelectrode cover 150. The covers 146, 150 are made of an electricallyinsulating material (e.g., a rubber or plastic material) and facilitateisolating the electrodes 144, 148, respectively, from contacting anyapplicable station housing or other surrounding structure. While theelectrode covers 146, 150 are illustrated as overlying only the outerend faces 152, 154 of the electrodes 144, 148, respectively, it iscontemplated that in other embodiments the electrode covers 146, 150 maybe configured to overlay any suitable surface(s) of the electrodes 144,148 that facilitates enabling the electrodes 144, 148 to function asdescribed herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 128 is disposed at leastin part within a hollow compartment 138 of the first cover 146. Thecontrol unit 128 is configured to supply the electrode assembly 126, andhence the conductive bait matrix 123, with electrical current. Thecontrol unit 128 may also be operable to transmit, in a wired orwireless manner, signal(s) indicative of at least one electricalcharacteristic of the conductive bait matrix 123 (e.g., the resistance,capacitance, and/or impedance of the conductive bait matrix 123) to thedata collection system 104.

The control unit 128 may include any suitable processor-based device(e.g., a microcontroller with associated memory on which executableinstructions are stored), or any suitable configuration of a reducedinstruction set circuit(s) (RISC), an application-specific integratedcircuit(s) (ASICs), and/or a logic circuit(s). Alternatively, thecontrol unit 128 may suitably include any circuit and/or processor thatis capable of executing the functions of the control unit 128 asdescribed herein.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit may also include one or moreswitches that are capable of turning on, waking up, resetting orinitiating other such functions by the bait stations 102 and/or the datacollection system 104. Such switches may include magnetic switches, RFswitches, ultrasonic switches, manual switches or any other such type ofswitch that one may choose to add. A passive and/or proximity typeswitch may be preferred to an active and/or manual type switch given thepossible subterranean location of the pest control and/or detectionsystem 100, such as magnetic reed, inductive and capacitive, seismic,infrared, photographic, thermal, electrical field, chemical, and/orultrasonic switches, etc. . . . .

Optionally, the control unit 128 may also include a suitable powersupply (not shown) (e.g., an electrochemical cell) suitably disposedwithin the hollow compartment 138 of the first cover 146 for poweringthe control unit 128, and/or for supplying the electrode assembly 126(and hence the conductive bait matrix 123) with electrical current via asuitable network of wires. The power supply may also be located remotelyfrom the bait station 102 and may be electrically connected to thecontrol unit 128 and/or the electrode assembly 126 in any suitablemanner (e.g., a plurality of aboveground or underground terminals may beaccessible on the exterior of the bait station 102 for selectivelyconnecting the remote power supply and/or the data collection system 104to the control unit 128 and/or the electrode assembly 126 via theterminals).

To assemble the bait station 102, the control unit 128 and anyassociated power supply may suitably be stowed within the hollowcompartment 138 of the top cover 146. The conductive bait matrix 123 isthen electrically connected to the electrodes 144, 148, and the controlunit 128 is operatively connected to the electrodes 144, 148 in a mannerthat enables the control unit 128 to selectively supply the electrodes144, 148 with electrical current. Thus, the conductive bait matrix 123is situated between the electrodes 144, 148, with the first end surface130 of the bait matrix 124 in electrical contact with the firstelectrode 144, and the second end surface 132 of the bait matrix inelectrical contact with the second electrode 148. It is to be understoodthat an external power supply may be provided.

Suitably, the sensor assembly 108 may have an apparatus that clamps theconductive bait matrix 123 between the electrodes 144, 148. For example,in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor holder 110 has a core housing145 which is formed integrally with the first cover 146 and may extendthrough the conductive bait matrix 123 for suitable connection (e.g.,bolted connection) with the second cover 150. In this manner, theconductive bait matrix 123 is retained between the first cover 146 andthe second cover 150 of the sensor holder 110. Optionally, the sensorholder 110 may also be provided with a biasing element 147 for urgingthe first electrode 144 toward the second electrode 148 to maintainelectrical contact between the electrodes 144, 148 and the conductivebait matrix 123 during deployment. Alternatively, the sensor assembly108 may have any suitable mechanism that facilitates retaining the baitmatrix 124 in electrical contact with the electrode assembly 126.

Once the sensor assembly 108 is assembled, it is able to be deployedwithout containment in a station housing, or may be suitably insertedinto a station housing (not shown) which contains at least a portion ofthe sensor assembly 108 within the station housing. The station housingmay be at least partially to completely underground on a site wheretermite activity is possible, is suspected, or has been detected.Without the use of a station housing, the sensor assembly 108 is to besuitably buried at least partially underground on a site where termiteactivity is possible, is suspected, or has been detected. On the otherhand, the illustrated embodiment of the sensor assembly 108 and/or itsstation housing may be suitably configured for deployment aboveground tofacilitate detecting, deterring, and/or eradicating any suitable type ofpest in any suitable manner. For example, the sensor assembly 108 and/orits station housing may be configured for suitable abovegrounddeployment on the side of a building, on a pole, on a tree, or at othersuitable above ground locations.

After the bait station 102 has been deployed, the control unit 128 isoperable to supply the electrodes 144, 148 (and hence the conductivebait matrix 123) with an electrical current. While, or after, current ispassed through the conductive bait matrix 123, the control unit 128 isoperable to transmit signals indicative of an electrical characteristicof the conductive bait matrix 123 to the data collection system 104.Notably, because the distribution of the electrically conductiveparticles within the bait matrix may not be predetermined (e.g., becausethe electrically conductive particles 140 (FIG. 4) are randomlyinterspersed within the bait matrix), the continuous pathway forelectrical current through the conductive bait matrix 123 from the firstelectrode 144 to the second electrode 148 is, likewise, substantiallyrandom. In other words, for each comparable pair of conductive baitmatrices 123, while both matrices are made to exhibit similar electricalproperties (e.g., similar levels of resistance, capacitance, and/orimpedance), the pathway for electrical current through the first one ofthe conductive bait matrices 123 will in general be different (andunpredictable) relative to the pathway for electrical current throughthe second one of the conductive bait matrices 123.

In one embodiment, the control unit 128 may be configured for autonomousoperation, in the sense that it is configured for automatic (e.g.,scheduled, intermittent) supplying of the electrodes 144, 148 withelectrical current, and automatic (e.g., scheduled) transmitting ofassociated signals to the data collection system 104. In anotherembodiment, the control unit 128 may be configured for subservientoperation under the direction of a suitable remote control system, inthe sense that the control unit 128 may be configured to supply theelectrodes 144, 148 with electrical current and/or to transmitassociated signals to the data collection system 104 only wheninstructed to do so by the remote control system. As such, someembodiments of the control unit 128 may transmit signals to the datacollection system 104 in real time (e.g., almost immediately after eachpulse of electrical current is supplied to the bait substance 124), orother embodiments of the control unit 128 may record events in itsmemory for transmitting batch-type signals to the data collection system104 when scheduled or instructed to do so.

While the control unit 128 of the illustrated embodiment is operable toenergize the conductive bait matrix 123 via electrical current suppliedto the electrodes 144, 148, it is contemplated that in other embodimentsthe control unit may energize the conductive bait matrix 123 with directelectrical communication with the bait matrix, such as by applyingmicrowave energy or other suitable energy to the conductive bait matrix123.

When the illustrated embodiment of the sensor assembly 108 is deployed,the carrier material and more particularly the carrier materialparticles 142 of the bait matrix 124 may be detected by termites andfound palatable to the termites. As termites chew on the bait matrix124, they remove (e.g., such as by consuming or displacing) particlesfrom the bait matrix 124 (as illustrated by the uneaten bait matrix 124of FIG. 4 having been chewed/displaced in the manner shown in FIG. 6and/or FIG. 16a image (b)). Some particles may be disseminatedthroughout their colony, feeding and/or foraging area.

As material is removed from or displaced within the bait matrix 124, atleast some of the electrically conductive particles 140 are removed fromor displaced within the conductive bait matrix 123. As electricallyconductive particles 140 are removed or displaced, at least oneelectrical characteristic of the conductive bait matrix 123 (e.g., itsconductivity, its resistance, capacitance, and/or impedance) is changed.That is, as the mass of the conductive bait matrix 123 decreases (e.g.,as the thickness of the bait matrix 124 from the radially inner surface136 outward decreases), at least one electrical characteristic of theconductive bait matrix 123 changes. For example, the electricalresistance through the conductive bait matrix 123 will increase asmaterial is removed from the bait matrix.

In the illustrated embodiment, with each pulse of current supplied tothe conductive bait matrix 123 via the electrodes 144, 148, the controlunit 128 transmits a signal to the data collection system 104, and thesignal is indicative of at least one electrical characteristic of theconductive bait matrix 123. In this manner, the data collection system104 is configured to associate each signal received from the controlunit 128 into a quantitative measurement as to at least one electricalcharacteristic of the conductive bait matrix 123.

Using this determined electrical characteristic, a quantitativemeasurement as to how much of the conductive bait matrix 123 has beenremoved by the termites may be determined. It is to be understood that acharacteristic of the conductive bait matrix 123 is transmitted and thatthe conductive bait matrix 123 may be electrically conductive and orconductive by other means. In some instances, to facilitate taking intoaccount the environment of the bait matrix 124 and improving theaccuracy of the bait depletion measurement, the control unit 128 mayalso transmit to the data collection system 104 signals indicative ofthe historical and/or instantaneous temperature and/or moisture contentof the bait matrix 124.

It is contemplated that the control unit 128 may transmit signalsindicative of other suitable properties of the bait matrix 124 as well.Moreover, all such properties of the bait matrix 124 and its environmentmay be utilized by the control unit 128 and/or the data collectionsystem 104 to create predictive models or indicator models through whichpest advisories can be provided to the property owner.

In this manner, using the signals received from the control unit 128,the data collection system 104 logs and/or monitors changes to the massof the conductive bait matrix 123. In one embodiment, the datacollection system 104 compares the at least one electricalcharacteristic of the conductive bait matrix 123, and/or the mass of theconductive bait matrix 123 to a threshold value. Upon meeting orexceeding the threshold value, the data collection system 104 generatesa warning (e.g., a message sent to a monitoring entity) that the baitstation 102 is in need of inspection, baiting of the station with atoxicant, replacement of the sensor assembly 108 (or simply the baitmatrix 124, conductive bait matrix 123 and/or non-conductive bait matrix127) and/or other appropriate action.

In other embodiments, the data collection system 104 may intermittentlymonitor the mass of the conductive bait matrix 123 without regard to athreshold. For example, a technician may monitor the mass of theconductive bait matrix 123 daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annularly or othersuitable time period to intermittently assess what actions need to betaken for a particular bait station 102 (FIG. 22). In this manner, thepest control and/or detection system 100 facilitates continuouslymonitoring the status of the bait substance 124, thereby enabling moreproactive and/or timely detection of pest activity and corrective actionin the case of the presence of pests.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate another embodiment of a sensor assembly 208 thatis substantially similar in construction to the sensor assembly 108 ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3.

In this embodiment, however, a biasing element 247 is axially (e.g.,concentrically in the illustrated embodiment) disposed and compressedbetween the cover 246 and the first electrode 244 for urging the firstelectrode 244 down against the top of the bait matrix 224 and for urgingthe bait matrix down against the second electrode 248 to maintainelectrical contact between the electrodes and the conductive bait matrix123. The biasing element 247 according to one suitable embodiment is inthe form of a wave spring, and more suitably a crest-to-crest wavespring, with plain, or flat wire ends as best seen in FIG. 10.

In this embodiment bait matrix 224 is conductive and does not contain anon-conductive bait matrix 127. Because of the manner in which the baitmatrix 224 is formed, it is understood that the bait matrix, includingthe top and bottom of the bait matrix, may not be smooth (e.g., thesurface is rough) and may also not be entirely level. The flat wire endsmay facilitate flush, 360 degree contact between the biasing element andthe first electrode 244 to provide a uniform current distributiontherebetween. The wave spring 247 provides a uniform load distributionbetween the cover 246 and the first electrode 244 while accounting forany surface irregularities or slight taper (e.g., not perfectly level)of the top of the bait matrix 224.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, according to one suitableembodiment the wave spring may have a free height of about 0.421 inches,a wire thickness of about 0.012 inches, and 4 active turns (6 totalturns including the flat wire ends). The radial width of the wire is inthe range of about 0.139 inches to about 0.147 inches. The wave spring247 is constructed so that its working (e.g., compression) height isabout 0.151 inches under a load of about 6.7 to about 8.3 pounds. It isunderstood that other suitable wave spring dimensions may be usedwithout departing from the scope of this invention.

It is also contemplated that a suitable conductive grease (not shown),such as a carbon conductive grease, may be used between the firstelectrode 244 and the top of the bait matrix 224 and/or between thesecond electrode 248 and the bottom of the bait matrix to furtheraccount for the irregular surfaces of the top and bottom of the matrix.

The sensor assembly 208 in accordance with one embodiment may furthercomprise one or more environmental sensors 261 for sensing one or morecharacteristics of the ambient environment in which the sensor assemblyis placed—e.g., within the station housing below ground, directly belowground without a station housing, or any above-ground location (e.g.,within a residential or commercial structure). In one particularlysuitable embodiment the one or more environmental sensors 261 maycomprise one or more moisture sensors for sensing the moisturesurrounding the sensor assembly 208. In the illustrated embodiment, thecover 246 includes a window 263 and the environmental (e.g., moisture)sensor 261 is disposed within the cover 246 at the window so that thesensor is openly exposed to the environment surrounding the sensorassembly. In other embodiments the one or more environmental sensors 261may instead or additionally comprise a temperature sensor.

Moisture or other environmental conditions impact the signals that areindicative of the electrical characteristic (e.g., resistance,capacitance, etc.) of the conductive bait matrix 123. As a result, thesignals transmitted by the control unit 228 to the data collectionsystem 104 may not accurately reflect the actual change in electricalcharacteristic resulting from pests consuming the conductive bait matrix123. To this end, the one or more environmental sensors 261 generate asignal indicative of the at least one environmental characteristic.

In one embodiment, the signal indicative of the at least oneenvironmental characteristic is transmitted to the data collectionsystem 104 along with the signal indicative of the electricalcharacteristic. A processor at the data collection system 104 adjuststhe electrical characteristic signal as a function of the environmentalcharacteristic signal and then uses the adjusted electricalcharacteristic signal to determine the electrical characteristic (e.g.,resistance, capacitance, impedance). In other suitable embodiments theprocessor may first determine the electrical resistance as a function ofthe environmental characteristic signal and then adjust the determinedelectrical resistance as a function of the environmental characteristicsignal. In still other embodiments, it is contemplated that the controlunit 228 of the sensor assembly 208 may include a processor that adjuststhe electrical characteristic signal as a function of the environmentalcharacteristic signal and then transmits the adjusted electricalcharacteristic signal to the data collection system 104.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the pest control and/ordetection system may preferably use a magnetic reed switch 302 towake-up, turn on, and/or reset the one or more bait stations 102 and/orthe one or more data collection systems 104. The magnetic reed switch302 as shown in FIG. 15 may supply power to the circuit board. Giventhat the pest control and/or detection system may be located in asubsurface environment the magnetic reed switch 302 provides variousadvantages such as, it is a locking switch, it uses less power thanother options such as an ultrasonic switch, and it may be internallylocated allowing for a more secure sealed housing around it.

Prior to the magnetic reed switch 302 being activated the one or morebait stations 102 and/or the one or more data collection systems 104 maybe in a sleeping state or turned-off state to preserve energy. Once themagnetic reed switch 302 is used to provide power to the one or morebait stations 102 and/or the one or more data collection systems 104,the one or more bait stations 102 are now in discovery mode oradministration mode and able to search for the one or more datacollection systems 104. It is to be understood that another type ofswitch may be used to wake-up, turn on, and/or reset the one or morebait stations 102 and/or the one or more data collection systems 104.

One or more bait stations 102 joining the data collection system 104 mayform a mesh network as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The mesh network allowsthe bait stations 102 to send information/data, such as data related toa characteristic of the conductive bait matrix 123, through each otherto get to the one or more data collection systems 104. This allows thebait stations 102 further away from the data collection systems 104 tostill transmit data to the data collection systems 104 so long as theyare close enough to one or more bait stations 102 within the meshnetwork. Preferably the one or more bait stations 102 do not haveelectronic addresses or MAC IDs and will not need to be entered into thesystem.

Rather using magnetic reed switch 302 to reset or turn on the baitstation 102 and or swiping a magnet over the sensor assembly 108 whilein the vicinity of a data collection system 104 that is set to amaintenance or administration mode will allow the bait stations 102 tosearch for and connect to the data collection system's 104 mesh network.Bait stations 102 have the ability to determine a reset from activationof the magnetic switch or a self-induced (warm) reset. This enables thebait stations 102 to place themselves in a known state for each meshupdate period while retaining memory. The bait stations 102 may be in astateless state, wherein they have no knowledge of the data collectionsystem's 104 IP address. The bait stations 102 may send out data and maynot know that they are reporting in a network or who is receiving thedata packets they send out. A warm reset means that the circuit is aliveat the time of the reset. A warm reset may be used to collect data fromthe data collection system 104 using a remote device as explained inmore detail below.

The mesh network is based on the International Engineering Task Force(IETF) RFC6202 “Trickle algorithm”, which is a type of flood controlalgorithm for lossy, low-power networks. Adjusting the transmissionwindow allows the Trickle algorithm to spread new information. It is tobe understood that other algorithms may be used to create a mesh networkso long that they allow the data to pass along the chain of baitstations 102 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 until reaching the datacollection system 104.

The mesh network may communicate using IEEE 802.15.4. However, it is tobe understood that other forms of communication between the baitstations 102 and the data collection systems 104 within the mesh systemmay be used. IEEE 802.15.4 is a radio platform that may handle the datatransmission within the mesh network. A 2.4-2.5 GHz frequency ISM bandmay be used to establish bait station 102-to-bait station 102communication and bait station 102-to-data collection systems 104communication. It is to be understood that other frequencies may alsowork such as 5.7-5.8 GHz frequency ISM band. It was unexpected given thenature of radio waves to find that the 2.4-2.5 GHz frequency ISM bandwas effective for the sub-surface data transmission that is a part ofthe pest control and/or detection system. It was commonly believed thatthe sub-surface environment would interfere with the ability of the2.4-2.5 GHz ISM band to transfer data. It was believed that only higherfrequencies would be effective for this type of communication/datatransmission due to the high level of interference from the subsurfaceenvironment. However, for the current application, it has beendetermined that within the 2.4-2.5 GHz ISM band, the bait stations 102are able to transmit data to one another and to the data collectionsystem 104. The code that creates the data packages to be transmittedmay be separate from the code controlling communication. Thesynchronization of the bait stations 102 and the data collection system104 may assist with the ability to communicate in the subsurfaceenvironment at this 2.4-2.5 GHz ISM band as well as the type and size ofthe data packets being transferred. The data being communicated throughthe mesh network may include whether or not the resistance level of theconductive bait matrix 123 has reached a set threshold level.

The data collection system 104 may communicate (a) internally and/or (b)externally. The data collection system's 104 internal communication maytake place using the mesh network. The data collection system's 104external communication may be sent to a HS Hub 402 and on to acommunication portal 404 as shown in FIGS. 13, and 17-22. It is to beunderstood that the data collection system 104 and HS Hub 402 may use aWiFi connection and/or a cellular connection and/or any other suitableform of communication means to transmit data externally from the datacollection system 104 and/or HS Hub 402 and/or the communication portal404. The HS Hub 402 and/or the communication portal 404 may be providedby a customer using the pest control and/or detection system and/or byany other external source. The HS Hub 402 and/or the communicationportal 404 allow for the periodic logging of sensor/network data to theexternal host cloud. An Application Program Interface (API) may be usedto transmit the data from the data collection system 104 to the cloud.An API may be used to transmit the data from the bait station 102 to thedata collection system 104. An API may be used to transmit the data fromthe cloud to a web interface. An API may be written using a variety ofdifferent formats such as JSON, XML, or other such text-based formats orbinary serialization such as MessagePack, protobuf, bson, avro or anyother such binary format.

The data collection system 104 itself may have two different modes whenoperating a maintenance or administrative mode or discovery mode thatallows the data collection system 104 to detect and add bait stations102 to the network or a reporting mode. When data collection system 104is set to the administration mode data collection system 104 issearching for bait stations 102 to add to its network and sends outpings to the bait stations 102 it finds. It may be desired to have thedata collection system 104 auto default to this mode when it is firstactivated. Once a bait station 102 is attached to a data collectionsystem 104 network, the bait station 102 will not look to join any othernetwork unless it is told otherwise and/or reset. It is too beunderstood both the data collection system 104 and the bait stations 102may need to be set to the administration or discover mode for thenetwork to be created. A mobile app may also be used to set the datacollection system 104 into discovery mode. When setting up the pestcontrol and/or detection system 100 the installer may turn on the datacollection system 104 first, ensure that it is in administration mode,and then activate the individual bait stations 102 to form the pestcontrol and/or detection system network. It may be preferred that thepest control and/or detection system 100 communicate using a meshnetwork as described herein.

The data collection system 104 also may have two different communicationmodes (a) internal communication over the pest control and/or detectionsystem network to send or receive information with the bait stations 102or (b) external communication to send or receive information with aremote device and/or the cloud. To receive data from the bait stations102, the data collection system 104 may ping the individual baitstations 102 on its network. The bait stations 102 may respond and maysend out data that is not specifically directed to the data collectionsystem 104, but because they are a part of the same network, the datacollection system 104 is able to gather all of the data from theindividual bait stations 102.

The data collection system 104 may have knowledge of which bait stations102 belong in its network, while the bait stations 102 themselves do notrecognize who specifically it is talking to. The data collection system104 is configured to store the data sent to it from the bait stations102 at least until the data is sent to an external location and/ordevice by the data collection system 104. The data collection system 104will preferably send the data to the cloud or external source, uponreceipt of instructions to do so and/or upon time intervals programmedinto the firmware of the bait stations 102 and/or the data collectionsystems 104. It is to be understood that the data collection system 104may send data to the cloud and/or external source at programmed timeintervals and/or upon request from mobile application used on a remotedevice as described in more detail below.

It is to be understood that the data collection system 104 may functionas both a bait station 102 and/or as a data collection system 104 andmay comprise the ability to communicate both internally with the otherbait stations 102 and/or data collection systems 104 as well asexternally.

A power-down SYNC frame is broadcast over the mesh network to the baitstations 102 by the data collection system 104 in order to synchronizetheir wake-up. This allows all bait stations 102 and the data collectionsystem 104 to wake-up at the same time in the future (e.g., in 60minutes) to make sensor readings and to communicate those readings overthe mesh to the data collection system 104. The bait stations 102 anddata collection systems 104 may wake-up once a minute, once and hour,once a day etc. or any such time chosen, for a synchronization signal.Than fall back to sleep. The bait station 102 and/or data collectionsystem 104 internal clocks can drift. Accordingly, the system may usewake-up checks just to confirm that all the components are on same time.This step of ensuring that all components are on the same time allowsfor simultaneous data transfer. Data transfer may occur hourly, daily,weekly, monthly or any such time period as so desired etc.

Data collection system 104 operates as “master” node within meshnetwork. The data collection system 104 queries each bait station 102one-by-one over the mesh network. All components are awake at the sametime. The data collection system 104 communicates with each bait station102 on its network to avoid collision. This allows each bait station 102to have full use of the mesh network to expedite transfers and to reducecollisions and contention between bait stations.

As shown in FIG. 15, the data collection system 104 may have a magneticreed switch 302 and/or an ultrasonic switch 301. An ultra-sonic sensormay power an ultrasonic switch 301 on the data collection system 104 andmay be used for the rest/wake-up cycle of the data collection system104. The ultrasonic switch 301 may allow for the remote wake-up of thedata collection system 104 using a remote device. This would allow oneto instantaneously download the data stored on the data collectionsystem 104 at that time rather than waiting for the data collectionsystem 104 to send data out per its scheduled download. It is to beunderstood that the data stored on the data collection system 104 may bethe last reported data from the bait stations 102 to the data collectionsystem 104.

It is to be understood that a mobile client such as a phone or hand-helddevice may perform the following operations: (a) obtain a list of allbait stations 102 connected to the data collection system 104; (b) resetthe bait stations and/or data collection system 104; (c) linking thedata collection system 104 to the customer's home network (such as WiFinetwork or cellular network or the like); (d) configure host cloudreporting; (e) check customers home network; (f) delete a bait station102 from the mesh network; (g) place a bait station 102 and or datacollection system 104 into discover mode; and/or (h) erase the entiremesh network.

It is to be understood that an ultrasonic switch 301 may be preferred toother types of switches such as infra-red switches due to its ability towork better in a subsurface environment. The ultrasonic switch301/device relies on a combination of an ultrasonic transmitter andultrasonic receiver. The transmitter emits an ultrasonic signal that istransmitted wirelessly to the ultrasonic receiver which then convertsthe ultrasonic signal into an electronic signal that may be used forvarious functions. In the case of the pest control and/or detectionsystem 100 that is the subject of the current invention, the ultrasonicswitch 301 or device resides within a housing or container 110 that ispart of the pest control and/or detection system 100. The datacollection system 104 and/or bait station 102 present in the pestcontrol and/or detection system 100 may be placed within a plasticsensor housing (not shown) that is used to form a cavity within theground. The pest control and/or detection system 100 components may alsobe placed in the ground without the use of a plastic sensor housing aswell. The signal emitted by the ultrasonic transmitter must pass throughthe covering of the sensor as well as any sensor housing material.Additionally the ultrasonic signal may have to pass through soil, mulchor other materials (i.e., organic or inorganic). It is preferred to useultrasonic signals versus infrared due to their increased ability totransmit through the subsurface environment as well as the plasticmaterial surrounding the device. The use of the ultrasonic switch301/device has been tested in the field and has proven to be effectivein enabling the activation of the required operational function withinthe pest control and/or detection system. It is to be understood thatthe ultrasonic transmitter may be a hand held device of any type that iscapable of emitting an ultrasonic signal.

In one embodiment, exemplified in FIGS. 17-22, the pest control and/ordetection system 100 can be integrated directly into a connected systemor HS Hub 402. It is to be understood that for purposes of thisapplication connected system means any automated or wirelessinterconnected and/or connected system within a residential and/orcommercial structure. A connected system may have a central point ofcommunication or device to gather the communication from all of thedevices, such as a HS Hub 402. In addition, it is to be understood thata connected system allows various devices within a residential orcommercial structure to communicate with one another or to communicateto a central location. Such devices may include but are not limited tofire/smoke detectors, intrusion detectors, medical alert devices, energymanagement devices, water/leak detection devices, irrigation systems,smart appliances, lighting features, door locks, window sensors,video/audio devices etc. In addition, it is to be understood that aconnected system may communicate externally through the HS Hub 402and/or a communication portal 404 from the structure 400 to adistributed network system or communication portal 404 or anotherexternal source, such as the cloud or single server systems or anythingsimilar etc. The pest control and/or detection system 100 may becompatible with a residential and/or commercial connected system, and/ordistributed network system. The pest control and/or detection system 100may be directly installed and integrated by service providers intoexisting and/or as part of a connected system by individuals, includingbut not limited to, home security providers, builders, pest managementprofessionals, other technology service providers and/or structureowners.

As described previously, the pest control and/or detection system 100 isdesigned to detect pest activity on a consumable and/or displaceablebait matrix 124. One or more bait stations 102 and at least one datacollection system 104 may be installed, in proximity to commercialand/or residential structure spaced at distances determined to beeffective in detecting pest activity. Such spacing between the variousbait stations 102 and/or data collection systems 104 may be between 5-30feet, 5-15 feet, and 1-100 feet.

Pest removal of a portion of the conductive bait matrix 123 may triggera signal that may be communicated from individual bait stations 102 tothe one or more data collection systems 104 as described in more detailpreviously and as shown in FIGS. 13-14. In addition further transmissionfrom the one or more data collection system 104 to a distributed networksystem for, but not limited to, data management, storage, analysisand/or communication to authorized parties, including but not limitedto, the technology provider, installation company, and structure owner.The signal may be transmitted from the data collection system 104through the HS Hub of the connected system 402 to a communication portal404 and onward as shown in FIGS. 17-22. The signal indicating pestactivity may be further routed by the service provider for the connectedsystem (406, 412) to appropriate recipients (410, 413, 414, 416, 418etc.) including but not limited to the technology owner, an authorizedservice provider and/or the structure/property owner (400). Anauthorized service provider (414, 416) may be notified and requested torespond to the potential pest threat.

Utilization of, but not limited to, existing technology, infrastructure,and expertise common to the security and monitoring industrieseliminates complexity of the monitoring process, communicates threat andfacilitates response to the threat. Integration of the pest controland/or detection system 100 into, including but not limited to, aconnected system may provide a similar level of structural protectionand peace-of-mind originally offered by the security and monitoringindustries, including but not limited to life safety (fire, intrusion,medical) and/or lifestyle (temperature, lights, doors, etc.) managementwithout the need for conventional visual inspection for pest activity.Incorporating pest control with additional home security/monitoringsystems provides a broader range of comfort and security to the propertyowner. It is to be understood when pests are detected by the pestcontrol and/or detection system 100, the alert may go directly to thesecurity company and they may transmit the alert to one or more of thefollowing: a pest control provider; the contact, manager or owner of thestructure being monitored; and/or the company providing the pest controland/or detection system.

It is to be understood that communication of the data gathered by thedata collection system 104 may occur through a variety of means and mayinclude communication to one or more of the following: a) HS Hub 402which receives the data from the data collection system 104, b)communication portal 404 which may enable the data transmission from thesource (with or without the presence of the HS Hub 402) to the cloud andmay comprise a WiFi router, a cell phone or other such devices, c) HSCompany Data Service 406, which may host the cloud data which may havebeen transmitted from the communication portal, d) Home Security Companyor other such service provider 410, e) DM Company or Data ManagementCompany 412/413, f) Pest Management Professional “PMP” with or withoutrouting services 414/416 who may take care of any pest detected, g) PMrouting service 418 which notifies the PMP, h) Home or property owner400, i) cloud service network provider 407. FIGS. 17-22 provide examplesof various communication pathways. It is to be understood that thepathways may be adjusted and that the general goal of the pest controland/or detection system 100 is to provide data regarding the conductivecharacteristics of the conductive bait matrix 123 indicative of thepresence of pests from the location of the system 100 ultimately to thehome owner and/or pest management professional or other such serviceprovider. It is to be understood that various intermediate communicationpathways may be used to achieve this purpose.

Another embodiment of this invention is a method to determine, afterhaving deployed traditional or conventional bait at the site, whetherthe termites (or other insects) that are consuming the bait are the sametermites (or other insects) that are infesting the structure on thesite. It would be useful, therefore, to provide bait which facilitatesmaking such a determination.

In one embodiment, an insect bait generally comprises a polysaccharidecarrier material and a marker material mixed with the carrier material.The marker material is consumable by an insect and contains a substancewhich facilitates determining, upon viewing the insect, that the insectis actively feeding on the bait.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling insects generallycomprises deploying a bait at a first location on a site, wherein thebait contains a marker material which facilitates determining thatinsects are actively feeding on the bait. The method also comprisesmonitoring insect activity at the bait, detecting a level of insectactivity at the bait as a result of the monitoring, and visuallyinspecting a second location on the site for insect activity as a resultof the detection. The method further comprises determining, by viewingan insect at the second location, that the insect consumed the markermaterial and is actively feeding on the bait.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 24, a pestcontrol and/or detection system according to one embodiment is generallyindicated by reference numeral 100. The system 100 has at least one baitstation 102 deployed at a site for monitoring and/or controlling pestactivity (e.g., the perimeter around a home 500). For example, in someembodiments, the bait station 102 is configured for at least monitoring,and in some embodiments controlling, termites. In other contemplatedembodiments, however, the system 100 may be configured for monitoring,and in some embodiments controlling, other pests such as, for exampleand without limitation, cockroaches, ants or other insects, rats, mice,voles or other rodents, birds, bats, etc. In this manner, the baitstation(s) 102 may be suitably configured for underground,surface-level, or aboveground deployment as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, each bait station 102 has a bait matrix(indicated generally by the reference numeral 124) configured forconsumption by pests, and the bait matrix 124 may have any suitable sizeand shape. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bait matrix124 is generally tubular (e.g., cylindrical) and has a first end surface130, a second end surface 132, a circumferential outer surface 134, anda circumferential inner surface 136 defining an internal cavity of thebait matrix 124. The illustrated bait matrix 124 is of an extruded type,and is therefore of a generally solid construction. In otherembodiments, however, the bait matrix 124 may instead be fabricated inany suitable manner to be of any suitable consistency (e.g., an overallsemi-solid state, such as a gel, or an overall liquid state, such as afluid suspension).

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, the bait matrix 124 comprises a markermaterial (illustrated schematically in particulate form as circles 140)and a carrier material (illustrated schematically in particulate form assquares 142). Notably, while both are illustrated schematically inparticulate form, neither the carrier material 142 nor the markermaterial 140 needs to be in particulate form to be within the scope ofthis invention.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the carrier material 142 of theillustrated bait matrix 124 is, at least in part, an consumable material(e.g., a material that is consumable and digestible by a pest beingmonitored using the bait matrix 124). For example, in one particularlysuitable embodiment, the carrier material 142 is a polysaccharidematerial (e.g., a cellulosic material such as wood flour, wood starch,alpha cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or other suitable cellulosematerial consumable by termites). It is understood that the carriermaterial 142 may comprise other consumable materials without departingfrom the scope of this invention. For example, it is also contemplatedthat the carrier material 142 may comprise a consumable, butnon-digestible or essentially non-digestible, material (e.g., a materialthat is consumable, but not digestible, by a pest being monitored and/orcontrolled using the bait matrix 124). In one example, a suitableconsumable and non-digestible material used as the carrier material 142may be a resin-type (e.g., thermoplastic) material which is capable ofmelting and being mixed with the marker material 140 (and a digestiblecarrier material, if desired) for extrusion together to form the baitmatrix 124. In other embodiments, the bait matrix 124 may include atoxicant (e.g., a pesticide active ingredient). Other suitablemanufacturing processes are also contemplated for combining the carriermaterial 142, the marker material 140, and any other desired material(s)to form the bait matrix 124 such as, without limitation, coextrusion,compaction, immersion, molding, suspension and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the illustrated marker material 140 is amaterial which is consumable by a pest (e.g., a material which issuitable for termite ingestion) and has a color which renders it visiblethrough the transparent or translucent cuticle, exoskeleton, or shell,and one or more digestive system organ(s), of the pest when the markermaterial 140 is passing through the digestive system of the pest (e.g.,when the marker material 140 is contained in the gut of the pest). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the marker material 140 is a fat-insolublematerial (i.e., the marker material 140 is a material that cannot bestored in the fat of a pest such as, for example, that of a termite). Itis also contemplated that, in lieu of or in addition to beingfat-insoluble, the marker material 140 may be water-insoluble so as tofacilitate ensuring that the marker material 140 does not leave thedigestive system of the pest.

In some embodiments, the marker material 140 may be a material that iselectrically insulating by nature. In one such embodiment, the markermaterial 140 may be a polyester-type material (e.g., polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene(HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane (PU), etc.)in the form of beads, pellets, or flakes, for example. In anotherembodiment, the marker material 140 may be a vinyl-type material (e.g.,polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) in the form of beads, pellets, or flakes, forexample. In yet another embodiment, the marker material 140 may be aplastics-type material (e.g., a wire coating) in the form of beads,pellets, or flakes, for example. In yet another embodiment, the markermaterial 140 may be a nylon-type (e.g., dark) material in the form ofbeads, pellets, or flakes, for example. In yet another embodiment, themarker material 140 may be a sand-type material (e.g., lava) in the formof fine or smooth granules, for example. In yet another embodiment, themarker material 140 may be a gravel or shale-type material (e.g.,polished gravel or shale) in the form of beads, for example. In yetanother embodiment, the marker material 140 may be a glass and/orceramic-type material (e.g., milled/polished glass and/or ceramic) inthe form of beads, for example. In yet another embodiment, the markermaterial 140 may be a wood-type material (e.g., barbecue/dark wood) inthe form of wood fines, for example. Alternatively, the marker material140 may be a recyclables-type material (e.g., rubber, packaging, etc.)in the form of fine particles, for example.

As is readily seen in FIG. 27, the marker material 140 and the carriermaterial 142 (e.g., the particles thereof) are randomly interspersedthroughout both the thickness and the height of the bait matrix 124 insome embodiments. Moreover, the relative amounts of the marker material140 vs. the carrier material 142 in the bait matrix 124 may vary inaccordance with the desired marking strategy. For example, in somecontemplated embodiments, the bait matrix 124 may contain about 0.5% toabout 25% (preferably about 12%) by weight of the marker material 140.The remainder of the bait matrix 124 in such embodiments would be thecarrier material 142, which could be of both the cellulose-type and theresin-type (e.g., cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), cellulose acetatebutyrate (CAB) and/or polybutyrate (PBAT) such as that sold under thetrademark Ecoflex®). For example, the carrier material 142 of theresin-type could be about 20-40% by weight of the bait matrix 124. Thus,in some embodiments, if the bait matrix 124 has 90% carrier material 142by weight, there could be 35% by weight of resin-type and 55% by weightof cellulose-type materials as the carrier material 142. Hence, 10% ofthe bait matrix 124 by weight would be the marker material 140 in suchembodiments. Notably, if the marker material 140 and/or the carriermaterial 142 are provided in particulate form, it is contemplated thatthe carrier particles may be sized at about 5-250 microns, and it iscontemplated that the marker particles may be sized at about 5nanometers-250 microns. Other sizes may also be suitable.

When the illustrated embodiment of the bait matrix 124 is deployed, thecarrier material 142 in the bait matrix 124 is at least one ofpalatable, phagostimulant and/or consumable and/or displaceable bypests. As the pests chew on the bait matrix 124, they ingest (orconsume) both the carrier material 142 and the marker material 140 ofthe bait matrix 124, effectively removing material from and decreasingthe size of the bait matrix 124 (which is indicative when comparing theunchewed state of the bait matrix 124 shown in FIG. 27, with the chewedstate of the bait matrix 124 shown in FIG. 28).

As shown in FIG. 29, for example, the pest control and/or detectionsystem 100 can be used by deploying at least one bait station 102 on thesite of FIG. 24 (e.g., near the perimeter of the home 500). In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 29, four bait stations 102 are deployed.However, any suitable number of bait stations 102 may be deployed inother embodiments. Notably, each of the bait stations 102 contains itsown bait matrix 124. In this manner, the bait stations 102 can bemonitored (e.g., remotely monitored, as set forth in more detail below)for pest activity such that, when a sufficient (e.g., predetermined)level of pest activity has been detected, an inspector 600 may visit thesite to physically inspect the site.

In any suitable manner, the inspector 600 (FIG. 29) may note that pests(e.g., termites) are targeting (e.g., consuming the bait matrix 124 of)at least one of the bait stations 102 (a targeted bait station 102 beingindicated generally in FIG. 296 by reference numeral 104). Moreover,upon inspection of the home 500 (whether remotely or by being on-site),the inspector 600 may also note that pests (e.g., termites) areinfesting the home 500. Under these circumstances, it would have beendifficult for the inspector 600 to correlate activity at the targetedbase station 104 with activity inside or nearby the home 500 usingconventional pest control and/or detection systems (e.g., it would havebeen difficult for the inspector 600 to know with a higher level ofcertainty that the pests consuming the bait matrix 124 of the targetedbait station 104 are the same as, or are otherwise associated with, thepests that are infesting the home 500).

Configured in the manner set forth herein, however, the pest controland/or detection system 100 facilitates assisting the inspector 600 inconfidently making such a correlation. More specifically, as pestsconsume the bait matrix 124 of the targeted bait station 104, the pestsingest the marker material 140 (these pests being referred to below as‘marked pests’ 700). Because some types of pests (e.g., termites) have atransparent and/or translucent shell and digestive system organ(s), theconsumed marker material 140 tends to be visible inside of the markedpests 700 when the inspector 600 views the marked pests 700. Moreover,because the marker material 140 of the bait matrix 124 is fat-insoluble,the marker material 140 will only be viewable inside of the marked pests700 when the marker material 140 is passing through the digestive systemof the marked pests 700 (i.e., the marker material 140 cannot be storedin the fat of the marked pests 700 for viewing after the marker material140 has left the digestive system of the marked pests 700).

In this manner, the marker material 140 will only be present inside thedigestive system of a marked pest 700 for a limited time (e.g., only afew days). Hence, upon locating marked pests 700 inside or nearby theinfested home 500, the inspector 600 can readily determine that the home500 is infested by pests that are actively feeding on the bait matrix124 of the targeted bait station 104 (e.g., the inspector 600 canreadily identify that the marked pests 700 have consumed the bait matrix124 of the targeted bait station 104 within the few days preceding theinspection).

As used herein, a pest is said to be ‘actively feeding’ on the baitmatrix 124 if the pest has fed on the bait matrix 124 within thethree-day period preceding the occurrence of the pest being viewed by aninterested party, such as the inspector 600 (e.g., within 48 hours ofthe viewing occurrence, or within 24 hours of the viewing occurrence).Such ‘active feeding’ by a pest is to be distinguished from the type offeeding which is determinable using conventional, fat-soluble dyeingtechniques. More specifically, conventional dyeing techniques cannot beused to confidently correlate the fact that a pest has been marked withthe fact that the pest has been actively feeding, in that a pest whichhas consumed conventional dye can remain marked for weeks thereafter(e.g., for up to a month, or 30 days, thereafter). In this manner, whenviewing a pest which has been marked as a result of having fed on baitcontaining conventional dye, for example, it may be equally possiblethat: (1) the pest consumed the dye just one day prior to viewing; and(2) the pest consumed the dye 25 days prior to viewing. Hence, unlikeusing the bait matrix 124 to mark a pest, the marking of a pest usingconventional dyes is unreliable for making determinations of activefeeding as defined herein.

Referring to FIG. 29, upon determining that the home 500 is infested bypests that are actively feeding on the bait matrix 124 of the targetedbait station 104, the inspector 600 can more confidently know, andconvey to the owner of the infested home 600, that pests which areinfesting the home 500 are also actively and/or continually consumingthe bait matrix 124 of the targeted bait station 104 and will soon becontrolled and/or eradicated as a result thereof, or as a result ofother suitable eradication procedures which will subsequently be takenby the inspector 600. For example, the inspector 600 may replace orsupplement the bait matrix 124 of the targeted bait station 104 with atoxicant to be consumed by the pests which are actively feeding at thetargeted bait station 104. Generally, an indication of acceptance andconsumption of the bait matrix 124 by pests can be confirmed using themarking techniques set forth herein.

Moreover, some species of pests have different castes, at least one ofwhich may be considered a dependent caste because it is for the mostpart incapable of feeding itself. If the inspector 600, upon inspectingthe infested home 500 views, inside or nearby the infested home 500,marked pests 702 that are of a dependent caste, the inspector 600 candetermine that the consumed bait matrix 124 is being shared (e.g., bytrophallaxis) throughout the broader colony of pests. Upon making such adetermination, the inspector 600 can more confidently know, and conveyto the owner of the infested home 500, that the colony associated withthe marked pests 700 is also actively consuming the bait matrix 124 ofthe targeted bait station 104 and will soon be controlled and/oreradicated as a result thereof, or as a result of other suitable controland/or eradication procedures to be taken by the inspector 600 in themanner set forth above, for example.

Similarly, upon viewing unmarked pests 704 inside or nearby the infestedhome 500, the inspector 600 can determine that more than one colony ofpests (e.g., more than one colony of termites) may be infesting the home500. More specifically, the inspector 600 can determine that one suchcolony of pests (e.g., a first colony 706 of pests) is actively feedingon the bait matrix 124 of the targeted bait station 104, while anothersuch colony of pests (e.g., a second colony 708 of pests) is notactively feeding on the bait matrix 124 of the targeted bait station104. As a result, the inspector 600 can take a suitable course of actionto facilitate locating, and controlling and/or eradicating, the colonyof pests that is not actively feeding at the targeted bait station 104.

It is to be understood that this marker material embodiment may be usedin combination with the other embodiments disclosed in this application,particularly the conductive bait and pest control and/or detectionsystem embodiment. To facilitate monitoring the bait station(s) 102using the data collection system 104, the marker material 140 of thebait matrix 124 may in some embodiments be an electrically conductivematerial. In one contemplated embodiment, the marker material 140 may bea blackish, carbon-based material in particulate form (such as, withoutlimitation, graphite particles, carbon nanotube fragments, carbon blackparticles, coke particles, or carbonized-charcoal powder). For example,in one particularly suitable embodiment, the marker material 140 may bein the form of graphite particles (e.g., Asbury 4848 graphiteparticles). In another contemplated embodiment, the marker material 140may be a colorful metal or alloy of metals in particulate form such as,for example and without limitation, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper,silver, aluminum, or stainless steel particles (e.g., the particles ofthe marker material 140 may be in a suitable particulate form such asdust, oxide, filings, slag, flakes or otherwise). Alternatively, themarker material 140 may be different than the electrically conductivematerial, such that the bait matrix 124 is made from the carriermaterial 142, the marker material 140, and a suitable electricallyconductive material (all of which may be in particulate form andextruded or compressed together as a single, monolithic bait matrixstructure in some embodiments). Other suitable electrically conductivematerials may also be used and remain within the scope of thisinvention.

EXAMPLES—TERMITE PREFERENCE FOR PARTICULAR BAIT MATRIX COMPOUNDS Example1—Termite Preference for Graphite (Conductive Bait Matrix)

Arenas consisted of 100 mm×20 mm polystyrene dishes filled (ca. 5 mmdepth) with QuickStone® Laboratory Stone (Whip Mix Corp., LouisvilleKy.) mixed as per the manufacturer's instructions. The QuickStone® wascured for 24 hours (h) prior to use. For initial hydration, 5 mlpurified water was added to each arena and excess water was poured offafter 2 h. The surface was then lightly blotted. Uniformly sized baitsections from two different bait matrix compositions comprising Ecoflex®and graphite or Ecoflex® and no graphite, approximately 1.0×1.0×0.5 cm(10 replicates of each composition), were weighed and placedindividually into plastic weigh dishes (4 cm×4 cm, with openings cutinto opposite sidewalls for termite access). A non-nutritive 5% agarplug (ca. 0.5 cm×1.0 cm) was added to each arena as a water source. Agarplugs were replaced every 3-4 days (d) and approximately 0.25 mlpurified water was added to the surface of each arena every 4 d. Aboutone hundred termites (workers and approximately 10% soldiers, determinedby weight) were transferred into each arena. The assay was maintained at27° C. and 80% RH. After two weeks, bait samples were removed fromarenas and oven dried at 110° F. for approximately 24 h. The baits wereweighed and the differences in pre and post weights, resulting from baitremoval by termites, were compared as an indicator of bait acceptance.Bait removal resulted from a combination of consumption, provisioning(feeding of soldiers by workers), and the application of bait to thesurfaces of the arena.

Conclusions

As shown by the data in Table 2, matrix acceptance of Ecoflex®(containing graphite) was significantly greater than that of Ecoflex®(which contained no graphite).

TABLE 2 Comparative consumption data for the “conductive portion of theassembly” (“KA”, which includes a mixture of ecoflex ®, Lattice ® NT 100(a form of microcrystalline cellulose) and graphite (Asbury ® 4848)) and“non-conductive portion of the assembly” (“HW”, which includes ecoflex ®and Lattice ® NT 100 (a form of microcrystalline cellulose)). Acceptanceof KA was significantly greater than that of HW in the no choice assay(t test, 0.05% level). Single dish, no choice HW - ecoflex ® (no KA -ecoflex ® (graphite) graphite) Rep. pre post Δ (g) Rep. pre post Δ (g) 10.6313 0.5615 0.0698 1 0.8213 0.7801 0.0412 2 0.6964 0.582 0.1144 20.8989 0.8814 0.0175 3 0.7273 0.6462 0.0811 3 0.7233 0.6849 0.0384 40.6752 0.5329 0.1423 4 0.7364 0.688 0.0484 5 0.6911 0.6017 0.0894 50.8481 0.8257 0.0224 6 0.6775 0.6331 0.0444 6 0.6539 0.6247 0.0292 70.6643 0.5994 0.0649 7 0.7415 0.701 0.0405 8 0.6951 0.6157 0.0794 80.7382 0.6934 0.0448 9 0.5989 0.5058 0.0931 9 0.8413 0.7896 0.0517 100.6214 0.5787 0.0427 10 0.6687 0.6228 0.0459 Avg. → 0.08215 0.038

Example 2—Termite Preference for Ecoflexx Material Objective

To determine whether Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermesformosanus, and eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipeshad a preference for particular bait matrices components three prototypebait matrices as set forth in Table 3, were presented to the termitesvia no choice and single-dish choice methodologies.

TABLE 3 Prototype matrices evaluated for acceptance by C. formosanus andR. flavipes CAB CAP ecoflex ® CE 24647 (CAB) CE 26627 (CAP) ecoflex ® FBlend X % X % X % NT 100 Y % NT 100 Y % NT 100 Y % Graphite Z % GraphiteZ % Graphite Z % NT 100 = Lattice ® NT 100 Graphite used was Asbury ®4848 Equal percentages (X %) of ecoflex ®, CAB and CAP were used in eachrespective type of bait sample and combined with the same percentages ofNT 100 (Y %) and graphite (Z %) where X, Y and Z each represent aspecific percentage of the bait composition and are consistent betweenthe samples, e.g. X % is the same between bait samples (ecoflex ®, CABand CAP).

No Choice Assay Test:

Arenas consisted of 100 mm×20 mm polystyrene dishes filled (ca. 5 mmdepth) with QuickStone® Laboratory Stone (Whip Mix Corp., LouisvilleKy.) mixed as per the manufacturer's instructions. The QuickStone® wascured for 24 hours (h) prior to use. For initial hydration, 5 mlpurified water was added to each arena and excess water was poured offafter 2 h. The surface was then lightly blotted. Uniformly sized baitsections (10 replicates) or pine sections (4 replicates) were weighedand placed individually into plastic weigh dishes (4 cm×4 cm, withopenings cut into opposite sidewalls for termite access). Anon-nutritive 5% agar plug (ca. 0.5 cm×1.0 cm) was added to each arenaas a water source. Agar plugs were replaced every 3-4 days (d) andapproximately 0.25 ml purified water was added to the surface of eacharena every 4 d. One hundred termites (workers and approximately 10%soldiers, determined by weight) were transferred into each arena.

The assay was maintained at 27° C. and 80% relative humidity. After twoweeks, bait/pine samples were removed from arenas and oven dried at 110°F. for approximately 24 h. The baits were weighed and the differences inpre and post weights, resulting from bait removal by termites, werecompared as an indicator of bait acceptance. Bait removal resulted froma combination of consumption, provisioning (feeding of soldiers byworkers), and the application of bait to the surfaces of the arena.

Single-Dish Choice Assay Test:

The single-dish choice replicates (three) were included to determine iftermites would accept/consume the bait in the presence of wood. The samemethod was followed as was described for the no choice assay with theaddition to the arena of a section of wood.

Results

General observations: For the duration of the evaluation, termites ofboth species were observed walking and aggregating on the threeprototype baits. After 48 h, bait (marked with graphite) was visiblethrough the body wall in most termites in all arenas as exemplified inFIG. 29. Two weeks after infestation, there appeared to be more baitvisible in termites in the Ecoflex® arenas compared to those in the CABand CAP arenas.

Coptotermes formosanus (Table 4)

No Choice Assay:

-   -   Bait acceptance, as indicated by the amount of material removed        from the subsample, of Ecoflex® was significantly greater than        that of CAB, CAP, and pine.    -   Acceptance of CAP was significantly lower than that of Ecoflex®,        CAB, and pine.    -   There was no significant difference between acceptance of CAB        and pine.

Single-Dish Choice Assay:

Termites removed more ecoflex (59.37 mg) compared to pine (20.97 mg).

Termites removed less CAB (0.83 mg) compared to pine (56.43 mg).

Termites removed less CAP (0.93 mg) compared to pine (41.60 mg).

Reticulitermes flavipes (Table 4)

No Choice Assay:

-   -   There were no significant differences in the acceptance of        Ecoflex®, CAB, and pine.    -   Acceptance of CAP was significantly lower than that of ecoflex        CAB, and pine.

Single-Dish Choice Assay:

-   -   Termites removed more Ecoflex® (66.63 mg) compared to pine        (11.03 mg).    -   Termites removed less CAB (35.37 mg) compared to pine (59.17        mg).    -   Termites removed less CAP (11.83 mg) compared to pine (74.30        mg).

Conclusions

-   -   Ecoflex® was readily accepted by Formosan subterranean termites,        Coptotermes formosanus, and eastern subterranean termites,        Reticulitermes flavipes in both no choice and single-dish choice        (bait and pine) laboratory methodologies.    -   Bait acceptance of CAP (containing CE polymer 26627) was        significantly lower than Ecoflex® and CAB (containing CE        polymer 24647) in the no choice assay.    -   Bait acceptance of CAB and CAP was greatly reduced when paired        with a pine food source in a single-dish choice laboratory        assay.    -   Bait acceptance of Ecoflex® was greater than that of a pine food        source in a single-dish choice laboratory assay.

TABLE 4 Acceptance¹ of three prototype Trelona ™ MY Termite Baitmatrices, ecoflex ® (thermoplastic material = ecoflex ®), CAB(thermoplastic material = CAB), and CAP (thermoplastic material = CAP)by Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus, and easternsubterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes Avg.³ weight change (mg)14 d post infestation Arena Treatment² C. formosanus R. flavipes Nochoice KA(ecoflex ®)  77.48 A  64.18 A KG(CAB)  42.48 B  55.82 A HV(CAP) 16.92 C  21.22 B Wood (pine)  44.20 B  63.73 A Single-dish KA(Ecoflex ®) 59.37 66.63 choice Wood (pine) 20.97 11.03 KG (CAB)  0.8335.37 Wood(pine) 56.43 59.17 HV I(CAP)  0.93 11.83 Wood(pine) 41.6074.30 ¹Acceptance is determined by the change in bait weight resultingfrom the removal of bait by consumption, provisioning (feeding ofsoldiers by workers), and the application of bait to the surfaces of thearena. ²Table 3 summarizes the general composition. ³Average of 10replicates of no choice ecoflex ®, Cab and CAP; ⁴ replicates of nochoice pine, 3 replicates of single-dish choice.

Values followed by the same letter are not significantly different atthe 0.05% level, means separated by Tukey's HSD.

Assay initiated on 1 Sep. 2015, C. Leichter NB 33587 p. 96.

Example 3

Additional preference for an ecoflexx bait matrix is shown in FIGS. 16and 16 a and the data set forth in Table 5 below. FIG. 16 is an exampleof a bait matrix prior to exposure to the termites. FIG. 16a is anexample of the three types of bait matrix compositions following fourweek of exposure to Coptotermes formosanus in a field study. The threebaits used were a) a mixture of cellulose (Y %), cellulose acetatepropionate CAP (X %), and graphite (Z %), b) a mixture of cellulose (Y%), Ecoflex® (X %), and graphite (Z %) and c) a mixture of cellulose (Y%), cellulose acetate butyrate CAB (X %), and graphite (Z %)—where X, Yand Z each represent a specific percentage of the bait composition andare consistent between the samples, e.g. X % is the same between baita), b) and c). Replicates of the three different baits were placed inbuckets in the ground and colonies of termites were allowed to feed onthem for a period of thirty days. An estimated number of termitesintroduced to the buckets was provided at the beginning and an estimatednumber of termites remaining in the buckets was provided at thecompletion of the study. Some buckets contained multiple bait matricesas shown in the table below. Other buckets contained individualmatrices. Buckets 3-6 were placed near each other surrounding the samelocation (a tree) and buckets 7-10 were placed near each othersurrounding the same location (a second tree). Following the thirty dayperiod, the baits were removed from the buckets and consumption wasobserved, rated and baits were then weighed.

Conclusion: The termites showed a clear preference for Bait (b)—theecoflex blend over the Bait (a)—the CAP blend and Bait (c)—the CAB blendregardless of colony size and whether the baits were presentedindividually or in combination with one another.

TABLE 5 Preference data from field trial comparing termite preferencefor (a) CAP blend bait, (b) an ecoflex ® blend bait, and (c) a CAB blendbait after 30 days consumption. Preference Field Trials Estimated #Installation Final % Bait Termites at Bucket weight Weight Consump-Install/ # Treatment (g) (g) tion completion  1* Bait (b) 202.1 144.628.45  5000/3,000 Bait (b) 202.0 144 28.71 Bait (b) 200.5 126.8 36.76Bait (b) 200.6 136.1 32.15 Bait (a) 204.0 218 −6.86 Bait (a) 199.9 214.8−7.45 Bait (c) 213.9 227.9 −6.55 Bait (c) 209.8 222.7 −6.15 2 Bait (b)200.4 18.6 90.72 15,000/10,000 Bait (b) 200.4 17.9 91.07 Bait (b) 202.819.1 90.58 Bait (b) 199.2 18.6 90.66 Bait (a) 202.3 218.2 −7.86 Bait (a)202.6 220.6 −8.88 Bait (c) 205.5 221 −7.54 Bait (c) 209.5 223.2 −6.54 3Bait (b) 201.0 5.6 97.21 100/200 4 Bait (b) 204.7 18 91.21 200/300 5Bait (a) 204.1 222.3 −8.92 200/0  6 Bait (c) 211.1 215.4 −2.04 150/100 7Bait (b) 200.0 14.3 92.85 100/500 8 Bait (b) 201.3 62.2 69.10  50/400 9Bait (a) 205.4 217.9 −6.09 300/0  10  Bait (c) 208.2 217.6 −4.51  50/150*Bucket 1 and its contents were noted to be very wet upon the completionof the study.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising,” “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pest monitoring system comprising one or moreelectrically monitored bait stations, wherein a signal indicates atleast one electrical characteristic of each bait station, upon meetingor exceeding a threshold value.
 2. The pest monitoring system of claim1, wherein the at least one electrical characteristic of each station isone or more of resistance, capacitance, and impedance.
 3. The pestmonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the signal is sent from a baitstation, which houses one or more bait matrix, to a data collectionsystem; and wherein the signal is further transmitted to a distributednetwork system.
 4. A pest control and detection system comprising: a. abait matrix that is one or more of consumable and dislodgeablecomprising at least one carrier material, and configured with a firstend and a second end; b. a sensor operable to sense at least onecharacteristic of an environment in which the bait matrix is located;and c. a control unit held in assembly with the bait matrix and sensor,the control unit being further operable to transmit signals indicativeof at least one characteristic of the environment in which the baitmatrix is located.
 5. The pest control and detection system of claim 4,wherein the sensor is an environmental sensor and the control unit isfurther operable to transmit signals indicative of the at least oneenvironmental characteristic sensed by the environmental sensor.
 6. Thepest control and detection system of claim 5, wherein the environmentalsensor comprises at least one of a moisture sensor and a temperaturesensor.
 7. The pest control and detection system of claim 4, furthercomprising at least one data collection system configured to receive oneor more signals from the control unit.
 8. The pest control and detectionsystem of claim 7, wherein the at least one data collection systemfurther transmits the one or more signals to a distributed networksystem.
 9. The pest control and detection system of claim 8, wherein thedistributed network system further comprises one or more of datamanagement, storage, or analysis systems.
 10. The pest control anddetection system of claim 9, further comprising communication to one ormore of a technology provider, an authorized service provider, aninstallation company, or a structure owner.
 11. The pest control anddetection system of claim 7, wherein the one or more signals aretransmitted from the data collection systems to a communication portal,upon which the one or more signal indicating pest activity is furtherrouted to one or more recipients.
 12. The pest control and detectionsystem of claim 11, wherein the one or more recipients is one or more ofa technology provider, an authorized service provided, an installationcompany, or a structure owner.